PRIME MINISTER

Fracking

David Davies: To ask the Prime Minister if he will take steps to establish a Cabinet Committee chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to direct and co-ordinate policy on the development of shale gas.

David Cameron: Issues relating to shale gas are considered at a number of Cabinet Committees including the Economic Affairs and Growth and Enterprise Committees.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Rape: Convictions

Helen Jones: To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the reasons for the fall in the percentage rate of convictions in rape cases between 2012-13 and 2013-14; and if he will make a statement.

Oliver Heald: The Rape National Scrutiny Panel led by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Policing lead for rape, considered the investigation and prosecution of rape cases including their referral from the police to the CPS. A range of issues have been identified that may have contributed to the drop in conviction rates. The joint Crown Prosecution Service/police Rape Action Plan published on 6 June 2014 aims to address these.

WALES

Official Visits

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what visits each of the Ministers in his Department have made since January 2013; and what the purpose of each such visit was.

David Jones: The information requested is enclosed in the following tables.
	
		
			 Secretary of State for Wales, Rt hon David Jones MP 
			 January 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Tata Steel, Port Talbot Economy and manufacturing themed 
			 Hitachi Durham Rail electrification focused 
			 Airbus, Broughton Economy and manufacturing themed 
			 JCB Transmissions, Wrexham Economy and manufacturing themed 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Lysaght Institute, Newport Wales Office Jobs Summit 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Toyota UK Manufacturing, Deeside Economy and manufacturing themed 
			 Bodnant Gardens Wales Tourism Week 
			 Wales Mountain Zoo Wales Tourism Week 
			 Asia visit-Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam Trade mission on behalf of UK Government 
			 Engineering Education Scheme-Wales-Big Bang North Wales, Llandudno Attending to officially open the event 
			 RICS Energy Conference, Cardiff Keynote speaker 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Stena Line, Holyhead Port Economy and infrastructure themed 
			 Valero Refinery, Pembrokeshire Energy themed 
			 Murco Refinery, Pembrokeshire Energy themed 
			 Milford Haven Port Authority Economy and infrastructure themed 
			 Torquing Group, Pembroke Dock Economy and rural SME focused 
			 Ledwood Engineering, Pembroke Dock Economy and rural SME focused 
			 Swansea University Research and Development focused 
			 Tomos Watkin Brewery, Swansea Economy and SME focused 
			 Virgin Media, Swansea Economy and SME focused 
			 Swansea City Football Club Economy focused 
			 Tata Steel, Port Talbot Economy and manufacturing themed 
			 SPECIFIC, Baglan Research and development focused 
			 Loughor Viaduct, Swansea Rail infrastructure related 
			 Cardiff Business Club lunch Hosting German Ambassador 
		
	
	
		
			 May 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Deeside Industrial Park Business Forum Speaking engagement 
			 National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Delivering Queen’s Speech to National Assembly for Wales 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Ebbw Vale-Circuit of Wales proposed site Regeneration themed-Joint visit at request of Nick Smith MP 
			 The Works, Ebbw Vale Regeneration-joint visit at request of Nick Smith MP 
			 BA Maintenance Centre, Cardiff Aerospace and manufacturing themed 
			 Paris International Airshow Aerospace and economy themed 
			 Wales Governance Centre, Cardiff Bay Delivering Wales in the Union keynote speech 
		
	
	
		
			 July 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Llangollen Eisteddfod Culture themed 
			 Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells Agriculture and rural affairs 
			 Policy Forum for Wales event Delivering keynote speech on infrastructure 
			 Yale College, Wrexham Wales Office North Wales Jobs Summit 
		
	
	
		
			 August 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 National Eisteddfod Wales, Denbigh Culture themed 
			 Coleg Menai Energy Centre, Llangefni Skills and nuclear energy-joint visit with Minister of State for Energy, Michael Fallon MP 
			 Horizon Nuclear Power, Anglesey Energy-joint visit with Minister of State for Energy, Michael Fallon MP 
			 Denbigh and Flint Show Agriculture and rural affairs-joint visit with Secretary of State for DEFRA 
			 National Youth Orchestra of Wales concert, Llandudno Culture themed – Representing the Wales Office 
		
	
	
		
			 September 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Atticus Digital Creative industries and SME focused-joint visit with UKTI 
			 Cardiff Medicentre, University of Wales Hospital SME and research and development focused-joint visit with UKTI 
			 Wales Office North Wales Business Reception, Gyrn Castle SME and economy focused 
			 EADS-DSEI Exhibition, Excel Centre, London Defence industry focused 
			 Regional Society of Council Clerks conference, Llandudno Keynote speaker 
			 National Waterfront Museum, Swansea In support of Swansea Bay City of Culture bid 
			 Hafod Copperworks, Swansea In support of Swansea Bay City of Culture bid 
			 Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea In support of Swansea Bay City of Culture bid 
		
	
	
		
			 October 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 ACT Training, Cardiff SME and Fast Growth 50 focused 
			 RMS, Newport SME and Fast Growth 50 focused 
			 Smart Solutions, Newport SME and Fast Growth 50 focused 
			 Fast Growth 50 Awards, Cardiff SME focused awards ceremony-keynote speaker 
			 Airbus, Toulouse Aerospace focused visit with Lord Green 
			 GE Aviation, Nantgarw Aerospace and apprenticeship focused 
			 Cardiff School of Art and Design Presenting Royal prefix to Royal Watercolour Society of Wales on behalf of UK Government 
		
	
	
		
			 November 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Bali Democracy Forum International Conference 
			 Media Wales, Cardiff Joint visit with the Prime Minister 
			 Owens Logistics, Newport M4 improvements announcement-Joint visit with the Prime Minister 
			 Brecon Army Museum Heritage, culture and defence related 
			 Singapore and Indonesia visit Trade mission on behalf of UK Government 
			 Heathrow T2 visit Economy and infrastructure focused-Welsh SME links to build 
			 Royal Mint, Llantrisant Striking of Remembrance Day coin 
			 National Centre for Product Design and Development Research, Cardiff Metropolitan University Research and development focused 
			 The Durham Union Society, Durham Delivering keynote speech on the Union 
		
	
	
		
			 December 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Working Links, Bridgend Welfare reform themed – joint visit with Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith MP 
			 Sony UK Technology Centre, Bridgend Manufacturing and re-shoring focused 
			 Biotec Services International, Bridgend Research and development focused 
		
	
	
		
			 January 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce, Rural economy focused 
			 Quartix, Newtown SME and rural economy focused 
			 Castalum, Newtown Manufacturing and rural economy focused 
			 Firestone site, Wrexham Visit to site of new north Wales prison development-joint visit with Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright MP 
			 Redwither Tower, Wrexham SME supplier event for north Wales prison development-joint visit with Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright MP 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Malaysia and Oman Overseas trade mission on behalf of UK Government 
			 Airbus, Broughton Economy focused visit with Indonesian Ambassador 
			 Toyota UK Manufacturing, Deeside Economy focused visit with Indonesian Ambassador 
			 Chirk Castle, Wrexham Wales Tourism Week 
			 Aberdeen Regional Cabinet 
			 Wales Office Business Reception, Cardiff SME and economy focused 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Paris UKTI Trade mission with Welsh SMEs 
			 Ruthin Inner Wheel International Women’s Day 
			 Ty Llewelyn Reserves Centre, Cardiff 614 Squadron-RAF Reserves Inaugural Information Day 
			 Infrastructure UK breakfast meeting, Ruthin CBI and Wales Office initiative 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Port of Mostyn Infrastructure and energy focused 
			 Raytheon UK, Broughton Aerospace and manufacturing focused 
			 PPA Ltd, Broughton SME and aerospace supply chain focused 
			 Consort Precision Diamond Co., Kinmel Bay SME and aerospace supply chain focused 
			 Cawdor Cars, Carmarthen Tackling rural youth unemployment 
			 University of Wales Trinity St David, Carmarthen West Wales Jobs Summit 
		
	
	
		
			 May 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 HMS Dragon, Cardiff Bay NATO Summit-Joint visit with First Minister of Wales 
			 Llandegla Mountain Bike Centre Queen’s Baton Relay tour of Wales 
			 CBI North Wales dinner, Ewloe Representing Wales Office 
			 Caernarfon Beer Festival Officially opening the event 
			 Bangor College China Signing Ceremony, Bangor University Speaking engagement 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 National Assembly for Wales Delivering Queen’s Speech to National Assembly for Wales 
		
	
	
		
			 Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP 
			 January 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Dyfed Powys Police Law and order themed visit 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 ABP Ports, Newport Infrastructure themed 
			 ABP Ports, Cardiff Infrastructure themed 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Celtic Quest, Abereiddy Wales Tourism Week 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Valero Refinery, Pembrokeshire Energy themed 
			 Murco Refinery, Pembrokeshire Energy themed 
			 Milford Haven Port Authority Economy and infrastructure themed 
			 British Gas Training Academy Skills, energy and Green Deal themed 
		
	
	
		
			 May 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Cardiff Airport Economy themed-joint visit with former Aviation Minister, Simon Burns MP 
			 BA Maintenance Centre, Cardiff Aerospace and manufacturing themed-joint visit with former Minister of State for Transport, Simon Burns MP 
			 Urdd Eisteddfod, Boncath Culture themed 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Aberdare Jobcentre Plus Welfare reform themed 
			 Institute for the Blind, Merthyr Tydfil Welfare reform themed 
			 Working Links, Treorchy Welfare reform themed 
			 Milford Haven Port Authority Infrastructure themed-joint visit with Transport Minister, Stephen Hammond 
		
	
	
		
			 July 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Celsa UK, Cardiff Manufacturing and infrastructure themed 
			 Barclays, Cardiff Economy themed 
			 Disability Employment Conference, Cardiff Regional link up to London from Cardiff 
		
	
	
		
			 September 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Wales Office North Wales Business Reception, Gyrn Castle SME and economy focused 
		
	
	
		
			 October 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Newport Jobcentre Plus Welfare reform themed 
			 Work Programme, Newport City Council Welfare reform themed 
			 Intellectual Property Office, Newport Fact finding visit 
		
	
	
		
			 November 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Parc Prison, Bridgend Law and order themed-joint visit with Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright MP 
			 Cardiff Probation Trust Law and order themed-joint visit with Prisons Minister, Jeremy Wright MP 
			 Newport Passport Office Immigration themed visit with former Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Policy Forum for Wales Seminar, Cardiff Welfare reform keynote speech 
			 Bargoed Library, Caerphilly Welfare reform and Universal Credit 
			 Citizens Advice Bureau, Caerphilly Welfare reform and Universal Credit 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Kronsopan Ltd, Wrexham Manufacturing and Budget 2014 themed 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Cardiff Superconnected Cities Demonstrator Hub Broadband infrastructure themed 
		
	
	
		
			 May 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Celsa UK, Cardiff Manufacturing and energy intensive industries focused 
			 Cardiff Airport Economy themed visit 
			 Stagecraft, Newtown SME and rural economy focused 
			 Makefast, Newtown SME and rural economy focused 
			 Trax JX Newtown SME and rural economy focused 
			 St Davids, Pembrokeshire Queen’s Baton Relay tour of Wales 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 General Dynamics UK, Blackwood Defence related 
		
	
	
		
			 Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Baroness Randerson 
			 January 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Oxfam Forest Children’s Centre, Newport Big Society themed 
			 Holocaust Memorial Day event, Cardiff Holocaust Memorial Day 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Swansea University Higher education and research and development themed 
		
	
	
		
			 Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan Wales Tourism Week 
			 St Fagans Museum, Cardiff Wales Tourism Week 
			 Cardiff Whitewater Centre Wales Tourism Week 
			 Lysaght Institute, Newport Wales Office Jobs Summit 
			 Cardiff Castle Territorial Army/Reservists launch event 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Newport Women’s Aid International Women’s Day 
			 Sport Wales, Cardiff Sport and health themed 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Eve of Armed Forces Day event, Cardiff In support of Armed Forces Day 
			 Cardiff Castle Armed Forces Day event In support of Armed Forces Day 
			 CBI Wales Summer Luncheon, Cardiff Bay Representing Wales Office 
			 St John Cymru: Wales Annual Festival and Investiture 2013, Llandaff Representing Wales Office 
		
	
	
		
			 July 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 National Botanic Gardens of Wales Tourism themed 
			 Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells Agriculture and rural affairs themed 
			 Yale College, Wrexham Wales Office North Wales Jobs Summit 
			 Live Music Act Roundtable, Cardiff Representing Wales Office 
		
	
	
		
			 August 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 National Eisteddfod Wales, Denbigh Culture themed 
			 Brecon Jazz Festival Culture themed 
			 Radnorshire Tourism and Farm Centres Tourism themed 
			 Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages Tourism themed 
			 Oystermouth Castle, Gower In support of Swansea Bay City of Culture bid 
		
	
	
		
			 September 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 British Red Cross, Maelor Hospital, Wrexham Voluntary sector themed 
			 Wales Office North Wales Business Reception, Gyrn Castle SME and economy focused 
		
	
	
		
			 October 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Marks & Spencer, Cardiff Tackling youth unemployment-in support of Prince’s Trust and Feeding Britain’s Future programme 
			 Firing Line Museum, Cardiff Castle In support of Cymru’n Cofio/Wales Remembers 1914-1918 FWW event 
			 National Museum Wales 65th anniversary, St Fagans, Cardiff Culture themed 
			 Dedication Service-Welsh National Mining Memorial and Centenary of the Universal Colliery Memorial, Nant y Parc School, Caerphilly Heritage themed 
		
	
	
		
			 November 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Aberystwyth University Higher education themed 
			 IBERS, Aberystwyth Agriculture and research and development themed 
			 National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth Education, culture and heritage themed 
			 Mid Wales Rape Support Centre, Aberystwyth Equality themed 
			 Wales Tourism Awards, Llandudno Speaking engagement 
			 Bodnant Food Centre, Conwy Tourism themed following Wales Tourism Awards 
			 Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Tourism themed ahead of Wales Tourism Awards 
			 National Service of Remembrance for Wales service, Cardiff Representing the Wales Office 
		
	
	
		
			 December 2013 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 The Open University in Wales event, Cardiff Higher education focus 
		
	
	
		
			 January 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Optic Glyndwr, Glyndwr University Research and development focused 
			 Crest Cooperative, Llandudno Big Society Awards themed 
			 Viability, Conwy Big Society themed 
			 Ysgol Bro Cernyw, Llangernyw Presenting Big Society Award to Vi-Ability social enterprise on behalf of the Prime Minister 
		
	
	
		
			 February 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon Wales Tourism Week and NATO Summit focused 
			 Tredegar House, Newport Wales Tourism Week and NATO Summit focused 
			 Want to Work Awards, Swansea Presenting award 
		
	
	
		
			 March 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff Higher education and culture focused 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Gwent Police, Cwmbran Human trafficking and tackling modern slavery focused 
			 Able Radio, Pontypool Big Society themed 
		
	
	
		
			 May 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre Queen’s Baton Relay tour of Wales 
		
	
	
		
			 June 2014 
			 Location Purpose of visit 
			 Cardiff University’s Hadyn Ellis Building Higher education and research and development focused 
			 Cardiff University Attendance at Innovation and Impact Awards

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by his Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Stephen Crabb: The levels of performance ratings for staff at the Wales Office were as follows:
	12.5% were assessed as “Outstanding”;
	80% were assessed as “Good”; and
	7.5% were assessed as “Must Improve”.
	This is in line with the Ministry of Justice's guided distribution range. The Wales Office is unable to confirm the performance rating for disabled staff as, in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines, the Department does not disclose information relating to five or fewer members of staff.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Apprentices

Robert Halfon: To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, how many apprentices the Church Commissioners have employed in the last 12 months.

Tony Baldry: The Church Commissioners currently directly employ one member of staff on an apprenticeship scheme; this role is designed to give experience of supporting the administrative work of the national institutional structures of the Church of England. There is an intention to roll out apprenticeships more widely should this trial proves successful.
	Within the Church of England, there are jobs and opportunities for skilled professionals and their students to undertake apprenticeships, training, or conservation work on and within its buildings, stone/carpentry yards and stained glass workshops choir and organ schools.
	There are also some more informal apprenticeship and paid internship opportunities within the local and national structures that are organised locally by those concerned.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Aviation

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what work has been undertaken by officials in her Department to support Northern Ireland's regional and international air links in 2014 to date.

Andrew Robathan: A strong network of air links is vital to boost both trade and tourism to Northern Ireland as well as benefiting the general public.
	My officials remain in contact with their counterparts in the Department for Transport, the Northern Ireland Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Regional Development to support air links from Northern Ireland and discuss matters that arise.

British Irish Council

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new actions were allocated to the Government at the summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in June 2014.

Theresa Villiers: The British-Irish Council Summit of 13 June discussed the economy, the economic importance of transport links between Member Administrations and the on-going work of the British-Irish Council. As part of the discussion on the future work of the British-Irish Council, Ministers agreed that the Collaborative Spatial Planning work sector should continue to work together to identify opportunities for synergy with other work sectors of the Council. The communiqué agreed by all Administrations can be found here:
	http://www.britishirishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/attachments/22%20-%20Twenty%20Second%20Summit%20-%20Guernsey%20-%2013%20June%202014.pdf
	Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister and I also held discussions with the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on a range of current issues, including the party leader talks on flags, parading and the past.

Interception Warrants

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many interception warrants were (a) issued, (b) declined and (c) cancelled by her Department under (i) section 8(1) and (ii) section 8(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in the last six months for which figures are available.

Theresa Villiers: The Interception of Communications Commissioner, Sir Anthony May, publishes statistics on the total number of interception warrants authorised annually. His 2013 Annual Report states that 2,760 interception warrants were authorised in 2013 (under both sections 8(1) and 8(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000), a reduction of 19% on the same figure for 2012, and that 1,669 such warrants were extant on 31 December 2013. As a matter of longstanding practice we do not provide more detailed breakdowns of statistics relating to interception warrants.

Parades: Belfast

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) discussions and (b) correspondence she has had with the Parades Commission over summer parades in North Belfast.

Theresa Villiers: I met the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland (PCNI) on 14 May this year for a routine discussion about the general prospects for the 2014 parading season. I have had no correspondence or discussions with the PCNI regarding operational matters in respect of specific summer parades in any area of Northern Ireland.
	The Parades Commission wrote to me on 18 June 2014. I acknowledged this correspondence in a letter assuring the Commission that it has the fullest support of this Government in carrying out its duties.

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by her Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Theresa Villiers: There are currently three members of staff, 3% of the work force, employed by my Department who are declared disabled, and who received a performance assessment for 2013-14. Given the small numbers involved, it would not be appropriate to provide any further breakdown as to do so would risk the identification of the individuals concerned.
	For staff grades A to F, who are due to receive their 2013-14 annual performance assessment; 13% of staff have received an outstanding box marking, 86% received a good box marking and 1% received a must improve box marking for the 2013-14 reporting year.

Terrorism

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by which (a) documents and (b) other means the recipients of a Royal Pardon, following the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, are able to demonstrate to a court or any law enforcement agency, that they are the beneficiaries of exercise of the Royal Prerogative; and if she will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: Following a search of the records held by the Northern Ireland Office, no evidence has been found to indicate that between 1979 and 2002 the RPM was used to do anything other than to remit (i.e. shorten) the sentences of individuals who had already been convicted of offences. It is therefore the release from custody that demonstrates the exercise of the RPM.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Electoral Register: Northern Ireland

Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister with reference to the answer of 1 April 2014, Official Report, columns 555-6W, on electoral register, Northern Ireland, what actions resulted from his discussions with the Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office concerning the schools programme for electoral registration.

Greg Clark: The Government have made the Rock Enrol learning resource freely available on the gov.uk and Times Education Supplement website among others.
	Additionally, the recent introduction of online registration in England and Wales will make it more convenient for young people to register to vote.

Electoral Register: Young People

Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister with reference to the answer of 28 January 2014, Official Report, column 510W, on electoral register: young people, how much funding his Department has made available to (a) Rock Enroll and (b) Bite the Ballot in each year for which data is available; and how many people each such organisation has directly registered in each year for which data is available.

Greg Clark: The Government are supportive of organisations that promote democratic engagement such as Bite the Ballot.
	Cabinet Office and Bite the Ballot co-developed the Rock Enrol learning resource in 2012-13. The value of the contract was £25,700. The Government have made Rock Enrol freely available on the gov.uk and Times Education Supplement websites.

Northern Ireland

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many times he has visited Northern Ireland in an official capacity since taking office.

Nicholas Clegg: I have been to Northern Ireland three times in an official capacity since taking office. I visited Belfast on 8 October 2010; Lough Erne on 18 June 2013; and, Derry-Londonderry on 21 June 2013.

EDUCATION

Academic Year

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the economic effects of deregulating school holidays on (a) tourism jobs in seaside areas and (b) seaside economies.

Matthew Hancock: The Government are giving more schools greater flexibility to adapt the shape of the school year in the interests of their pupils’ education.
	While this will extend an existing flexibility to a greater number of schools, our advice will continue to include a clear expectation of schools working with each other and the local authority to coordinate dates to avoid unnecessary disruption to parents and their employers.
	The Department has consulted with representatives of the tourist industry. Where schools choose to change their holiday dates, following discussion locally with parents and local businesses, there may well be a positive impact on seaside economies. In areas of high-seasonal employment, for example, small variations to term dates agreed locally may help parents to holiday outside of peak periods.

Academies: Land

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make it his policy to compensate local authorities whose leasehold title to land is transferred to academy trusts when the associated school achieves academy status.

Edward Timpson: When community schools convert to academies, the freehold is retained by the local authority and a lease is granted to the academy trust.
	We have no plans to compensate local authorities in relation to the transfer of leasehold title to academy trusts as the land in question will continue being used for its original purpose: the education of children in high-quality local schools. In addition, there are strict rules protecting publicly funded land used by academies, regardless of who holds the freehold. This is set out in guidance published online at:
	www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-of-school-playing-fields-and-public-land-advice
	A copy of the guidance has been placed in the House Library.

Apprentices

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure Ofsted is able to undertake the proposed increase in inspections of apprenticeship providers.

Matthew Hancock: Our apprenticeship reforms will improve quality by involving employers in defining the new standards and assessment and by controlling the funding of apprenticeships. Ofsted will continue to play an important role in ensuring the quality of teaching and learning in registered training providers. We are discussing the arrangements with Ofsted as part of the Trailblazer project.

Children in Care

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  when his Department will publish its response to the consultation, Improving permanence for looked-after children, published on 30 September 2013;
	(2)  what the reasons are for the length of time taken to respond to the consultation, Improving permanence for looked-after children, which closed in November 2013.

Edward Timpson: The Government’s Improving Permanence for looked after children consultation closed on 29 November 2013. Since this date, the Department for Education has continued to work closely with key stakeholders to explore the complex issues put forward within the consultation. These include fundamental changes to the statutory framework and we want to ensure widespread support before we publish final proposals. The Department has continued to work with our expert group which includes: foster carers, representatives from NSPCC, Family Rights Group, Who Cares? Trust, NCB Fostering Network, BAAF, NAFP, Association of Directors of Children’s Services and leading academics in the field. We plan to publish the Government’s response soon.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2014, Official Report, column 284W, on children: day care, if he will estimate the average annual cost of childcare in the UK for a child aged (a) two and under and (b) three to four using his Department’s Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents 2012-13 data.

Elizabeth Truss: The Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents report provides information on the average (mean and median) amount paid by families for child care in a reference week for pre-school age children. This information is not available broken down by age or on an annual basis.
	This information could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

Children's Centres

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the guidance published by his Department on 25 March 2014, on Sure Start centres: local authority duties, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the core purpose of Sure Start children’s centres.

Elizabeth Truss: Sure Start children’s centres statutory guidance was published in April 2013; the web page containing it was last reviewed on 25 March 2014.
	The statutory guidance states the core purpose of Sure Start children’s centres is to improve outcomes for young children and their families, with a particular focus on those in greatest need. The Department extensively consulted on draft statutory guidance, including the core purpose, in 2012. The response was positive, with 85% of respondees (local authorities, children’s centre managers, voluntary sector bodies and others) finding the document clear on statutory duties.
	As I said to the Education Committee on 18 June, Ofsted is going to be moving to a local-authority-based inspection regime for children’s centres and I am very happy to look at the core purpose, particularly in the light of what Ofsted put out as their inspection regime, if there is a lack of clarity.

Citizenship: GCSE

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many students sat the Citizenship GCSE in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011, (d) 2012, (e) 2013 and (f) 2014.

Matthew Hancock: Information on pupil entries in citizenship GCSE short courses is published in the "GCSE and equivalent results in England, 2012 to 2013 (revised)"1 Statistical First Releases for each year. Information on the number of pupils entering citizenship GCSE full courses for 2010/11 to 2012/13 is provided in the following table. Prior to 2010/10, citizenship GCSE full courses did not exist. Provisional GCSE results for 2013/14 will be available in October 2014.
	1 Available at:
	2009/10
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-gcses-key-stage-4
	2008/09
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00196306/ks4-results-in-england-2008-09-(revised)
	
		
			 Pupils at the end of key stage 4 entering citizenship at GCSE1. Years: 2010/11-2012/132, 3 
			 Coverage England Number of pupils 
			 2010/11 8,339 
			 2011/12 10,364 
		
	
	
		
			 2012/13 10,707 
			 1 Includes full course GCSEs only. 2 Discounting has been applied so that only the best grade is counted where pupils have taken the same subject more than once, and only one entry is counted in these circumstances. 3 Includes entries and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. Source: Key stage 4 attainment data

Creationism

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what penalties would be incurred by a free school, academy or other educational establishment which was found to be teaching or otherwise supporting creationism.

Edward Timpson: State-funded schools, including free schools and academies, should not teach creationism as an evidence-based scientific theory. Outside of science lessons, it is permissible for schools to cover creationism as part of religious education lessons, providing that this does not undermine the teaching of established scientific theory. Academies and free schools are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum and the model funding agreement now prohibits the teaching of creationism as an evidence-based theory. Independent schools must comply with the independent school standards, and are subject to inspections by Ofsted or an alternative inspectorate.
	All state-funded schools are subject to Ofsted inspections and a range of intervention powers are in place if required. In addition, any breach of academy or free school funding agreements in relation to creationism would be swiftly dealt with by the Department for Education and could result in the termination of the funding agreement.

Dominic Cummings

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what meetings (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department, (c) special advisers in his Department and (d) officials in his Department have had with Dominic Cummings in an official capacity in 2014 to date; and if he will publish minutes of each such meeting.

Matthew Hancock: Dominic Cummings worked as a special adviser at the Department until 21 February 2014. In that time he attended a range of official meetings. As was the case under previous Administrations, details of internal meetings are not normally disclosed.

Dominic Cummings

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on which official visits Dominic Cummings accompanied him in 2014.

Matthew Hancock: Dominic Cummings has not accompanied the Secretary of State for Education, on any official visits in 2014.

Dominic Cummings

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education on how many occasions Dominic Cummings was granted a visitor pass to his Department in 2014.

Matthew Hancock: In line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Government do not comment on security matters.

Free School Meals

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of children receive free school meals in each (a) free school and (b) local authority area where a free school has been established.

David Laws: Information on the percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals was included in the publication “Schools, pupils and their characteristics, January 2014”.1
	Information on the percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in individual schools, including free schools, is provided in the publication’s underlying data. This includes school type and local authority.
	Table 8a in the publication shows the percentage of pupils in state-funded nursery and primary schools known to be eligible and claiming free school meals by each local authority area. Table 8b shows the percentage of pupils in state funded secondary schools known to be eligible and claiming free school meals by each local authority area. Table 3 shows the percentage of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals in free schools nationally.
	1 Available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2014

Free Schools: Enfield

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what capital funding has been made available to free schools in Enfield North constituency since May 2010.

Edward Timpson: The Department for Education publishes the final capital costs for all free schools online at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-funding-for-open-free-schools

Mathematics: Teachers

Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of the graduates receiving bursaries to teach mathematics in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 at each of the four tiers had (i) a mathematics degree, (ii) a relevant degree as defined by the School Workforce Survey and (iii) any other degree.

David Laws: Information in relation to 2013-14 is not held in the form requested and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
	Data on 2014-15 participants have not yet been collected.

Physics: Teachers

Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of the graduates receiving bursaries to teach physics in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 at each of the four tiers had (i) a physics degree, (ii) a relevant degree in respect of physics as defined by the School Workforce Survey and (iii) any other degree.

David Laws: Information in relation to 2013-14 is not held in the form requested and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
	Data on 2014-15 participants has not yet been collected.

Schools: Sandwell

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will place in the Library copies of the Property Data Survey Programme results for schools in Sandwell local authority area.

David Laws: The Property Data Survey is due to complete by September 2014. We are currently sharing the initial findings with schools and responsible bodies to validate them.

Special Educational Needs

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the provision of advice for students with special educational needs.

Edward Timpson: The Department for Education, in partnership with the Council for Disabled Children, has worked directly with a number of young people, including students, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Their views have helped shape the reforms to the current SEND system to ensure it meets their needs—including how they would like to receive information and advice. Arrangements for providing information, advice and support for young people are set out in the SEND code of practice which was laid before Parliament on 11 June 2014.
	From this September, local authorities will be required to provide information and advice directly to children and young people with SEND as well as to parents. Staff working directly with children and young people should be trained to support and work in partnership with them. Local information and advice services should direct young people to specialist support to help them prepare for employment, independent living (including housing) and participation in society. It should also provide access to careers advice where needed.

Teachers: Training

Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many School Direct initial teacher training offers in (a) 2013-14 and 2014-15 in each subject area were made conditional on completion of a subject knowledge enhancement programme.

David Laws: Since January 2014, we have allocated subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) places to 110 schools, supporting 151 applicants to commence their initial teacher training. One applicant relates to entry into initial teacher training (ITT) in 2013/14 and 150 relate to entry in 2014/15. We did not collect data on SKE courses requested by School Direct schools before January 2014. Because SKE can be delivered in parallel with ITT, the trainee does not necessarily have to complete SKE prior to starting ITT.
	A full breakdown of SKE course data by subject will be available from October 2014.

Teachers: Training

Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many places for initial teacher training starting in 2014 have been allocated to (a) Schools Direct and (b) higher education providers.

David Laws: We initially allocated 15,254 places to School Direct and 23,095 places to higher education institutions for the 2014-15 academic year.
	Further details of the initial allocations have been published on the gov.uk website:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-allocations-for-academic-year-2014-to-2015
	We will publish final allocation information reflecting any changes later this year.

Teachers: Training

Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teacher training bursaries for (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 have been allocated to high-priority subjects of physics and mathematics at each of the four bursary tiers.

David Laws: Provisional figures on the number of trainees and proportion with a first or second class honours degree by subject are published in the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Census in November each year. Finalised figures are published the following year. Provisional figures for 2013-14 are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-trainee-number-census-2013-to-2014

DEFENCE

Afghanistan

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the effects of lethal targeting by remotely-piloted air systems on security in Afghanistan.

Mark Francois: UK forces, and the wider ISAF mission, have materially improved the security of Afghanistan since 2001. This allowed the developed Afghan national security forces to assume lead security responsibility for their own country from June 2013. As an integral capability of UK forces, remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) are assessed to have made a valuable contribution, both in their surveillance and strike roles, to the improved security situation.
	All UK forces operate in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, following the principles of distinction, humanity, proportionality and military necessity. The UK’s clearly defined rules of engagement, which cover the use of RPAS, are formulated on this basis.

Armed Forces: Young People

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations were undertaken into the deaths in training of armed forces recruits aged under 18 years in the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: There have been no deaths in training of armed forces recruits under the age of 18 in the last three years, and therefore no such investigations have taken place.

Army: Northern Ireland

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many British armed forces personnel were operationally deployed to Northern Ireland in each year from April 1984 to April 2010; and how many such personnel were accompanied by a (a) spouse or (b) civil partner in each such year;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of (a) the number of British armed forces personnel operationally deployed to Northern Ireland in each year from April 1984 to April 2010 and (b) the number of such personnel who were accompanied by (i) a spouse or (ii) a civil partner in each of those years.

Mark Francois: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Educational Testing Service

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what current contracts (a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's Executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies hold with the Educational Testing Service or any of that organisation's subsidiaries.

Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence, including Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies, does not currently have any contracts with the Educational Testing Service or its subsidiary companies.

Guided Weapons

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times an RAF aircraft has engaged an enemy aircraft beyond visual range by firing a beyond visual range air-to-air missile in the last 30 years; what aircraft it was fired from; and what the target and missile was in each case.

Mark Francois: RAF aircraft have not engaged any enemy aircraft by firing beyond visual range air-to-air missiles in the last 30 years. The last air-to-air engagement involving UK aircraft took place during the Falklands conflict.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the out of service date for the Lightning II.

Philip Dunne: As an initial planning assumption, the scheduled out of service date for the UK Lightning II fleet is 2048.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the through life cost of the Lightning II project.

Philip Dunne: The incremental nature of the F-35 approvals means that the total cost of the programme is updated after each Main Gate is endorsed. The UK F-35 programme is scheduled to seek financial approval for its fifth and final main gate in 2017. At this point the overall cost of the programme will be published. While the Ministry of Defence maintains a detailed through-life cost estimate for the programme which forecasts all Main Gates it does not publish these figures ahead of formal contract negotiation. I am withholding the information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.

Members: Correspondence

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when he plans to respond to the letter of 5 May 2014 from the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth on British Army processes of justice and requesting an urgent meeting;
	(2)  when he plans to respond to the letter of 5 May 2014 from the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth on British Army processes of justice and requesting an urgent meeting.

Anna Soubry: I responded to the hon. Member today.

Nimrod Aircraft

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capabilities are currently being utilised to fulfil the role that would otherwise have been undertaken by Nimrod MRA4 aircraft; and what capabilities will fulfil that role in the long term.

Mark Francois: holding answer 24 June 2014
	: Since the Nimrod MR2 was taken out of service in 2009, some 12 months early, for financial reasons, by the then Secretary of State, a range of assets were put in place by the previous Government to cover the capability, namely Type 23 frigates, Merlin Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft. The MRA4 project was nearly £800 million over budget, 10 years overdue and the aircraft could not pass airworthiness tests.
	The Ministry of Defence is currently reviewing the UK’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements, including wide area maritime surveillance, and is identifying potential solutions. This work will provide analysis in support of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by his Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Anna Soubry: This information is not yet available.

TRANSPORT

Driving: Licensing

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many drivers who have provided the necessary medical evidence are waiting to have their driving licence restored following temporary suspension for medical reasons.

Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.
	Customers applying in these circumstances are not easily identifiable. An estimate based on information available suggests around 9,000 applicants who have produced the necessary medical evidence are awaiting assessment. Once a decision has been made to re-issue the licence this is done immediately.

Driving: Licensing

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how long drivers who have produced the necessary medical evidence have waited before their licence is restored following suspension for medical reasons.

Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.
	On average, drivers who have produced the necessary medical evidence following revocation wait eight weeks before their licence is restored.

Driving: Licensing

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the longest period waited was on the receipt of the necessary medical evidence, to restore a driving licence for those drivers who have temporarily had their licence suspended for medical reasons in the latest period for which figures are available.

Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.
	Each case must be fully assessed before determining whether sufficient medical evidence has been supplied. More information is needed in some cases and may involve detailed consultation with medical professionals.
	Figures are not routinely kept of the amount of time an applicant may wait in these circumstances. An exercise in February 2014 suggested some customers may have waited up to 20 weeks. Once a decision has been made to re-issue the licence this is done immediately.

Euston Station

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate he has made of the cost of decking over Euston Station and the cutting approach to the station.

Robert Goodwill: In his report published on 17 March 2014, Sir David Higgins said that there could be a better solution for Euston than that proposed in the HS2 hybrid Bill. As a result, HS2 Ltd has been asked to work with Network Rail to explore a more comprehensive solution for Euston, working with the rail industry and the local community, with the aim of reaching a decision that would allow introduction of an additional provision to the hybrid Bill by December 2014. This work includes establishing a cost estimate for the scheme.

Euston Station

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of Crossrail 2 works required to deal with extra passengers at Euston station resulting from High Speed 2.

Stephen Hammond: The Government have provided £2 million for a funding and financing study which is looking at the potential overall costs of Crossrail 2, and whether at least 50% of those costs could be met by sources other than central Government. The study is due to report in the autumn. It will take into account in a high-level way the costs of building or upgrading stations along the route, including at Euston.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether bidders for the (a) TransPennine Express and (b) Northern Rail franchises will have the freedom to specify (i) staffing levels, (ii) ticket office hours and (iii) driver-only specification of new rolling stock in the new franchise bids for each line.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. We expect, however, that for both franchises: (i) staffing levels will be left for bidders to propose; (ii) under the current policy bidders are free to propose changes to ticket office hours, but any change could only take place following further public consultation; and (iii) Specification of Driver Only Operation is being considered for the Northern franchise but we expect to leave this free for bidders to propose on the TransPennine Express franchise.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on which sections of the (a) TransPennine Express and (b) Northern Rail franchises service levels no longer match passenger demand.

Stephen Hammond: Statistics showing where there is overcrowding on peak weekday Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express services in a number of cities in England are available at the following link.
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/252514/rai0214.xls
	These statistics only cover routes in the selected cities and the Department does not hold the information requested for other locations.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of whether the franchise specifications for rail passenger services on the (a) TransPennine and (b) Northern Rail lines contained in the consultation document published on 9 June 2014 will lead to a change in the level of service for passengers in the North West.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises have not yet been decided. The public consultation exercise sets out options and responses to it will inform these specifications. An objective for both the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises is to
	“Realise the benefits from rail investment in the north of England, ensuring the successful delivery of journey time, frequency, reliability and connectivity benefits for passengers.”
	This recognises the increase in capacity that the major infrastructure works in the North of England will allow.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which stations with ticket offices on the (a) TransPennine and (b) Northern rail lines are likely to have their opening hours reduced as a result of the current re-franchising exercise.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. The consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what minimum train service levels will be contained in the new franchises for rail passenger services on the (a) TransPennine and (b) Northern lines.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. The consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the current fleet of rolling stock operated by franchise holders on the (a) TransPennine and (b) Northern lines are scheduled for withdrawal from service before February 2016.

Stephen Hammond: The lease of nine Class 170 trains (18 carriages) by TransPennine Express ends in May 2015. The rolling stock owner reached a commercial deal with Chiltern Railways for the nine trains to transfer to Chiltern Railways from that time.
	Northern Rail has leases in place for all its current fleet of trains through to the end of the current franchise in February 2016.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of efficiencies in (a) back-office and (b) support functions he expects to be included in bids for the new passenger rail franchises for (i) TransPennine and (ii) Northern lines.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. It will be for the bidders to decide on efficiency levels they put into their bids based upon the requirements that will be set out in the franchise specifications in the Invitations to Tender. The consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether local transport authorities bidding for the (a) TransPennine Express and (b) Northern Rail franchises will have the freedom to specify (i) staffing levels, (ii) ticket office hours and (iii) driver-only specification of new rolling stock in the new franchise bids for each line.

Stephen Hammond: We do not expect bids for the Northern or TransPennine Express franchises from local transport authorities. This is because Section 25 of the Railways Act (1993 as amended) prevents any public sector operator, including local authorities from becoming a franchisee.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many passenger journeys there were on (a) TransPennine Express and (b) Northern Rail train services between Manchester and Leeds in each of the last five years.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport holds this information. However, it is held on a commercially confidential basis so cannot be released.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the current fleet of rolling stock operated by the franchise holders on the (a) TransPennine and (b) Northern lines will have to be replaced by 2020 as they are not compliant with existing legal standards on passenger accessibility.

Stephen Hammond: All passenger rolling stock is capable of being modified to modern access standards. Indeed, following consultation with its disability advisers, the Department for Transport has set out for the industry the work that must be completed to enable each fleet to operate after 2019. Whether to make that investment is a decision for the vehicle owners along with the bidders for the future Northern and TransPennine franchises, noting that some of the current fleet is expected to be displaced by electric units as a result of the Government’s extensive programme of electrification in Northern England.
	The whole of the TransPennine fleet already meets current access standards, as does 9% of the Northern fleet. Work to make a further 36% of Northern’s vehicles fully accessible formed part of the recent directly awarded franchise agreement.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost will be of new rolling stock required under the terms of the new rail franchises for (a) TransPennine Express and (b) (ii) Northern Rail lines.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. The consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises
	We do not, however, intend to specify rolling stock requirements in these specifications; it will be for the bidders to propose the appropriate rolling stock for their bids.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will fund the new rolling stock required under the terms of the new rail franchises for (a) TransPennine Express and (b) Northern Rail lines.

Stephen Hammond: The specifications for both the Northern and TransPennine franchises have not yet been decided. A public consultation exercise is being conducted, which will inform these specifications. The consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises
	We do not, however, intend to specify rolling stock requirements in these specifications; it will be for the bidders to propose the appropriate rolling stock for their bids.

First Transpennine Express and Northern Rail

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) local transport authorities and (b) Rail North were consulted over the proposals on staffing and service levels set out in the consultation document on the new franchises for rail passenger services on the (i) TransPennine Express and (ii) Northern Rail lines published on 9 June 2014.

Stephen Hammond: The public consultation exercise is a joint consultation conducted and prepared by the Department for Transport and Rail North, which is a body that represents all local transport authorities in the north of England. The consultation also encourages individual responses from local transport authorities. the consultation can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-of-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-franchises

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Fareham

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the new Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham to be fully operational.

Stephen Hammond: The National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) will commence operational duties in September 2014 when it takes on the operational areas previously covered by the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCC) at Solent and Portland. The capacity and coverage of the NMOC will geographically expand as the new national network is incrementally implemented around the UK. The NMOC will be fully operational once this is complete in December 2015 as planned.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Fareham

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people are employed at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham; and how many people will be employed at that centre when it is fully operational.

Stephen Hammond: The transition to the new HM Coastguard structure is progressive over 15 months, from September 2014 until December 2015, and is structured to incrementally deliver the right number of staff at the right point of the transition timetable.
	There are currently 27 coastguards employed at the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC). In preparation for the start of operational duties in September 2014 this will increase further as successful internal candidates are released from their current operational duties elsewhere around the UK.
	Once the transition is complete, and the NMOC fully operational, this figure will rise to 96 coastguard officers.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Fareham

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what minimum qualifications staff at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham will need in order to discharge the technical duties of that centre when it is fully operational; and what range of qualifications staff currently employed at that centre have.

Stephen Hammond: Existing coastguard officers who are successful in getting a role at the National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) will need to have successfully passed the following training programmes dependent on the role they are undertaking:
	Maritime Search and Rescue—Foundation
	Maritime Search and Rescue—Intermediate
	Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator
	New coastguard officers recruited into roles at the NMOC will need to have successfully passed the following training programmes dependent on the role they are undertaking:
	HM Coastguard Foundation Programme
	Maritime Operations Officer Programme
	Senior Maritime Operations Officer Programme
	Currently the maritime operations officers externally recruited are undertaking the Maritime Operations Officer Programme and will be qualified prior to the NMOC taking on operational duties in September 2014. All existing coastguard officers who are currently employed at the NMOC have the requisite qualifications for the posts they hold.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Fareham

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what average number of hours of training staff employed at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Operations Centre at Fareham are expected to undertake to reach that centre's full operating capacity; and how many staff have already undertaken that amount of training.

Stephen Hammond: The hours of training needed for coastguards at the new National Maritime Operations Centre to be fully operational will vary depending on the nature of the role, whether they are existing staff, their levels of experience, or external recruits brand new to HM Coastguard. HM Coastguard has tailored its training programmes on an individual basis. Training is underway for all new recruits and they will receive at least 488 hours of training.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Fareham

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with external stakeholders on the staffing and training levels required for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Maritime Operations Centre at Fareham to be fully operational.

Stephen Hammond: The proposals for the modernisation of Her Majesty’s Coastguard, including plans for staffing the new National Maritime Operations Centre and the roles and skills of its officers, were the subject of two rounds of extensive public consultation from December 2010 to May 2011 and then again from July to September 2011. More detailed work by experienced coastguards to develop and implement training plans has taken account of those earlier consultations and has involved representatives of the PCS Union.

New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he takes to ensure that statutory undertakers carrying out emergency works give notice to street authorities as required under section 57 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Goodwill: Failure by statutory undertakers to notify the highway authority when they carry out emergency works under section 57 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA) is an offence. The authority concerned may issue a fixed penalty notice, or the authority may initiate a prosecution against the undertaker for the offence.
	If the authority is a permitting authority under the Traffic Management Act 2004, section 57 of NRSWA is dis-applied, and is replaced with an offence of undertaking works without a required permit, which the authority may also deal with by fixed penalty, or may initiate a prosecution for the offence.
	These offences are all dealt with by the appropriate highway authority at a local level.

Railway Stations

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the £18 million investment in train stations to date by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance was from (a) public and (b) private sector bodies.

Stephen Hammond: The figure of £18 million invested in stations has been included in a recent news release put out by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance. My understanding is that this figure represents the investment made in the financial year 2013-14, but the total investment made during the period over which these schemes were completed is £34 million; £32 million of which came from public bodies; and £2 million from the private sector.

Railway Stations

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the £18 million investment in train stations to date by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance was from his Department's Access for All Fund; and which stations have benefited and from how much expenditure in each case.

Stephen Hammond: The figure of £18 million invested in stations has been included in a recent news release put out by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance. My understanding is that this figure represents the investment made in the financial year 2013-14, but the total investment made during the period over which these schemes were completed is £34 million, £17.5 million of which came from the Department's Access for All fund and is split as follows.
	A full list of the stations where small schemes have been delivered can be requested directly from the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance.
	
		
			    Funding allocation 
			 Station Project Project total (£ million) DfT SWT 3rd Parties 
			 Winchester AfA new footbridge/lifts 2.0 2.0 — — 
			 Wokingham AfA new footbridge/lifts 2.0 1.0 — 1.0 
			 Aldershot AfA new footbridge/lifts 2.0 1.8 — 0.3 
			 Various £750,000 AfA small schemes 0.8 0.8 — — 
			 Worcester Park AfA new footbridge/lifts 2.0 2.0 — — 
			 New Malden AfA Lifts 1.0 1.0 — — 
			 Putney AfA new footbridge/lifts 9.0 9.0 — —

Railways: Compensation

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with train operating companies on the nature and level of compensation available to passengers for delayed and cancelled services; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: All train operating companies (TOCs) are required under their franchise agreement to have in place a passenger's charter, which will include arrangements for compensation for passengers.
	In connection with the severe weather related disruption earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DFT) sought to understand what First Great Western's proposals on compensation were likely to be. Where discussions have taken place with other TOCs these will also have been to ensure that the DFT was aware of their intentions and not to seek to require these to be changed.
	An improved system of compensation based on delays to individual journeys, known as delay/repay, is being introduced for all passengers in place of the system of poor performance discounts and optional void days for season ticket holders. Introduction is taking place as franchises are let following competitions and opportunities arise within direct awards and existing franchises. Where discussions have taken place between the DFT and TOCs these will have been in this context.

River Thames: Bridges

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had on the potential construction of the (a) Lower Thames Crossing and (b) Thames Gateway Bridge; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Goodwill: Since consultation on options for a new Lower Thames crossing closed in July 2013, the Secretary of State for Transport has continued to discuss the potential construction of the Lower Thames Crossing with his officials and colleagues. My right hon. Friend made a Written Statement to the House on 12 December 2013 and intends to make an announcement on the further consideration of Options A and C as soon as possible.
	As for the Thames Gateway Bridge, it is for the Mayor and Transport for London to decide which schemes in London to develop and promote. The Secretary of State for Transport has regular meetings with the Mayor of London at which various matters are discussed.

Roads: Closures

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many roads in each local authority area have been closed on (a) one occasion and (b) more than one occasion in the last year.

Robert Goodwill: Information on the number of road closures in each local authority area is not held centrally by the Department for Transport.

Transport: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to improve the transport network in the Thames Gateway and its environs; and if he will make a statement.

Robert Goodwill: The South East Local Enterprise Partnership has set out its plans for investment in the Thames Gateway up to 2021 as part of its Strategic Economic Plan that was submitted to Government at the end of March. In July we will make decisions on the Local Growth Fund allocations associated with that plan.
	In addition, the Department is committed to providing a new Lower Thames crossing as well as improving traffic flows at the existing Dartford crossing.
	We have also been working closely with colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure that the major road improvement schemes on the A2 at Bean and Ebbsfleet are progressed to support delivery of the Ebbsfleet Garden City.
	The Government has committed to funding a series of rail investments during the period 2014-19. This includes electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking route; electrification of the Tilbury docks branch; increased capacity on the Great Eastern main line; upgrades to the power and signalling systems across the Kent route and the lengthening of services between London and Gravesend.

Transport: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department spent on transport schemes in the Thames Gateway in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Robert Goodwill: The Government’s local transport funding to the Thames Gateway is made to specific highway authorities, not specifically to the Gateway. The area comprises a number of local highway authorities. These include Kent, Medway, Southend, Thurrock and Essex. It is generally for those highway authorities to decide on what schemes this local investment is spent. The following Information sets out allocations that have been made where information is readily available.
	Local roads
	Funding for these authorities via the local block funding concerning maintenance and local transport investment for the period 2011-12 to 2014-15 can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-transport-capital-block-funding
	And for the period 2000-01 to 2010-11:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120606211516/http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/integrated-transport-block-and-highways-maintenance/
	In terms of local transport major schemes (over £5 million), the Department has funded two schemes since 2009. The Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road (£19.1 million) and Saddlers Farm Junction A130/A13 in Essex (£63.5 million).
	Strategic roads
	The Department does not hold a record of the annual level of investment on strategic roads in the Thames Gateway area over the last 15 years. However, over that period major schemes on the A2, A249 and M25 have been delivered representing an investment of over £400 million.
	The following major (over £10 million) strategic road improvement schemes have been delivered in the past 15 years in the Thames Gateway area.
	
		
			 Scheme Outturn cost (£ million) 
			 A2 Bean-Cobham Phase 1 Bean-Pepperhill (April 2003 to December 2004) 23 
			 A2 Bean-Cobham Phase 2 Pepperhill to Cobham (September 2006 to February 2009) 133 
			 A2/A282 Dartford Improvement (September 2006 to December 2007) 122 
			 A249 Iwade to Queensborough Improvement (April 2004 to July 2006) 96 
			 M25 J1b-3 Widening (June 2007 to July 2008) 63 
			 Total 437 
		
	
	Rail
	Very few rail schemes are fully contained within the Thames Gateway or a single local authority area, rather they are generally funded on the basis of railway operational geography. As such, no data are available for rail schemes.
	Community Infrastructure Fund
	In the first round of the Community Infrastructure Fund (2006 to 2008), the Department provided a total of £64 million for transport schemes to support housing growth in the Thames Gateway.

Travel: Costs

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the percentage change in real terms of the cost to the traveller of travelling by (a) private car, (b) bus, (c) train and (d) domestic aeroplane since (i) 1980, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 2010.

Robert Goodwill: The Department for Transport published statistics on travel costs based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the Transport Statistics Great Britain compendium.
	Data from the independent ONS suggests that:
	(i) Between 1980 and 2013 the real cost of motoring, including the purchase of a vehicle, declined by 12%, bus and coach fares increased by 59% and rail fares increased by 62% in real terms.
	(ii) Between 1997 and 2013 the real cost of motoring, including the purchase of a vehicle, declined by 9%, bus and coach fares increased by 28% and rail fares increased by 22% in real terms.
	(iii) Between 2010 and 2013 the real cost of motoring, including the purchase of a vehicle, decreased by 2%, bus and coach fares increased by 3% and rail fares increased by 5% in real terms.
	(iv) The costs of travelling by air are not available from ONS data. However information is available based on fare data from the Civil Aviation Authority. The real cost of the average UK one-way air fare, including taxes and charges, covering domestic flights from 2000 to 2013 declined by 43% and from 2010 to 2013 declined by 3%. Estimates are not available on a comparable basis before 2000.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether West Coast Trains (WCT) Ltd and Network Rail will be required to issue a memorandum of understanding before undertaking any of the infrastructure upgrade work outlined in the new franchise directly awarded to WCT Ltd.

Stephen Hammond: This is a matter for West Coast Trains Limited and Network Rail.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost to Network Rail of fitting the track side infrastructure required to provide free wi-fi access for passengers on the west coast main line.

Stephen Hammond: Network Rail is leading on the infrastructure work to enable the introduction of on-board 4G wi-fi on Virgin Trains. This project is currently being developed further and Network Rail may be able to advise on the current estimate of the cost of installing the track side infrastructure required.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total cost to the public purse has been of negotiations with train operating companies for franchised rail passenger services on the west coast main line.

Stephen Hammond: It is estimated that the Intercity West Coast Direct Award project will spend a total of £697,034 on external legal, technical and financial advisers. In addition to the core Department for Transport project team, officials from teams across the Rail Executive and Department have contributed to the project. No assessment has been made for internal departmental staff costs.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what his policy is on open access operations on the West Coast Main Line during the term of the new directly awarded franchise with West Coast Trains Ltd;
	(2)  what his policy is towards open access operations on the West Coast Main Line during the term of the directly awarded franchise with West Coast Trains Ltd for rail passenger services on that line.

Stephen Hammond: Open access operators have helped to provide innovative services for passengers and grow new rail markets—often generating excellent passenger satisfaction scores. The additional competitive pressure generated by open access operators can also help improve the experience of passengers of franchised services.
	These beneficial impacts must be balanced against the potential to abstract passenger revenue from franchised operators. This abstraction primarily manifests itself as a cost to Government in the form of diminished value of the franchises when they are tendered.
	To mitigate this problem, the Office of Rail Regulation ("ORR") applies the "not primarily abstractive test", which aims to ensure that applicants for open access routes will generate at least 30p of new revenue for every £1 of existing revenue abstracted from franchised operators. The ORR considers that if the open access operator generates any less new revenue, the benefits of their operation would not outweigh the costs. Our policy is to support the application of the not primarily abstractive test when open access applications are assessed.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many carriages in Virgin West Coast's nine-car Pendolino fleet will be re-configured to create more standard class passenger seats under the terms of the new rail franchise agreement; and where such re-configuration work will be carried out.

Stephen Hammond: Twenty one of the Pendolino fleet will be refurbished to convert the first class coach G in each of the 9 car Class 390 to standard class. The location of the refurbishment works has not been determined.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what change there is in the daily number of passenger seats in standard class on West Coast Main Line passenger services during the term of the franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd.

Stephen Hammond: The Direct Award to West Coast Trains Limited will see an increase of 5,500 standard class seats per day during the term of the franchise.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulatory oversight from which body there will be of the planned rail infrastructure alliance between Network Rail and West Coast Trains Ltd.

Stephen Hammond: The alliance between Network Rail and West Coast Trains Limited will involve closer working and collaboration rather than an infrastructure alliance. Regulation of Network Rail is a matter for the Office of Rail Regulation.

West Coast Railway Line

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Rail Delivery Group has discussed the infrastructure alliance planned between West Coast Trains (WCT) Ltd and Network Rail as part of the franchise directly awarded to WCT Ltd on 19 June 2014.

Stephen Hammond: I am not aware of any discussions at the Rail Delivery Group on an “infrastructure alliance” between West Coast Trains Limited and Network Rail.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the effect of the specifications in the rail passenger franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd on 19 June 2014 on levels of (a) on-train, (b) station and (c) ticket office staffing; and what discussions on the franchise specifications (i) his Department and (ii) Virgin Trains has had with trades unions representing staff working on the West Coast Main Line.

Stephen Hammond: Staffing levels are a commercial matter for Virgin Trains. The Department has not engaged with trade unions representing staff working on the West Coast Main Line regarding the franchise specification of the recent direct award to West Coast Trains Limited.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many new (a) ticket machines and (b) automatic barriers will be introduced at stations on the West Coast Main Line under the terms of the franchise for rail passenger services directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd; and in which stations they will be installed.

Stephen Hammond: Under the terms of the Direct Award to West Coast Trains Limited (a) 41 ticket vending machines will be installed across stations West Coast Trains Limited serve; and (b) 200 automatic ticket gates will be installed across stations West Coast Trains serve, prioritising routes between Euston and Birmingham and Euston and Manchester.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the estimated level of (a) public subsidy, (b) premium payments, (c) Network Grant and (d) revenue support will be during the term of the franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd for rail passenger services on the West Coast Main Line.

Stephen Hammond: The Direct Award to West Coast Trains Limited contains contracted premium payments of approximately £433 million. No revenue support or public subsidy is included in the franchise. Network Grant is not allocated on the basis of individual franchises so it is not possible to estimate this figure.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of punctuality for passenger rail services (a) operated by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line and (b) on average across all lines was in each year since 1996-97.

Stephen Hammond: The information is as follows.
	
		
			 Public performance measure (PPM) moving annual average (MAA) figures at year end; 1997-98 to 2013-14: Virgin West Coast (VWC) & National 
			 Percentage 
			  VWC National 
			 1997-98 79.54 89.80 
			 1998-99 76.97 87.92 
			 1999-2000 81.74 87.84 
			 2000-01 62.82 79.08 
			 2001-02 68.69 78.02 
			 2002-03 73.50 79.19 
			 2003-04 74.76 81.20 
			 2004-05 72.14 83.61 
			 2005-06 83.52 86.39 
			 2006-07 86.01 88.09 
			 2007-08 86.15 89.89 
			 2008-09 80.04 90.58 
			 2009-10 84.55 91.45 
			 2010-11 86.55 90.85 
			 2011-12 85.87 91.63 
			 2012-13 83.61 90.93 
			 2013-14 85.79 89.97 
			 Source: Figures are taken from periodically-produced Network Rail PPM data

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's targets for (a) punctuality, (b) passenger satisfaction and (c) cleanliness are in the rail passenger franchise awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd; when he expects these targets to be introduced on the franchise; and who will be responsible for regulating the franchisee's performance against each such target.

Stephen Hammond: The agreed targets are contained within the Franchise Agreement between West Coast Trains Limited and the Secretary of State for Transport, which will be published in due course. The contract will be managed and enforced by officials in the Department for Transport.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what total financial support from the public purse will be given to West Coast Trains Ltd for the duration of the directly awarded passenger rail franchise announced on 19 June 2014; and what the deadline is for exercising the optional one-year franchise extension from April 2017 to April 2018.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport has contracted a premium payable to Government of £433 million over the course of the directly awarded passenger rail franchise to West Coast Trains Ltd. In addition, the contract includes a provision which will trigger higher premiums to Government if GDP growth is higher than forecast and lower premiums if GDP growth is lower than forecast (subject to minimum levels of movements in GDP from forecast). Notice must be provided to West Coast Trains Ltd no later than 31 December 2016 of any intention to exercise the up to one year franchise extension.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many officials in his Department were involved in the negotiations with Virgin for the rail passenger franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd.

Stephen Hammond: The core InterCity West Coast Direct Award team numbered four officials, some of whom spent part of their time on other projects. The core team was supported by finance, legal, technical and economic specialists and received input from officials across the Department for Transport’s Rail Executive and wider Department where appropriate.

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which external consultants were involved in the negotiations with Virgin for the rail passenger franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd; and what the cost to his Department was of each such consultancy.

Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport ran a procurement for legal, technical and financial advisers for the InterCity West Coast Direct Award project. The advisers contracted, and the estimated fees to be paid for the work on the project, are shown as follows:
	
		
			 Adviser Estimated fees (£) 
			 Legal advisers—Addleshaw Goddard 204,960 
			 Technical advisers—TRL-Halcrow 227,607 
			 Financial advisers—PwC 264,467

West Coast Railway Line

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many officials in his Department were involved in the design of the rail passenger franchise directly awarded to West Coast Trains Ltd.

Stephen Hammond: The core InterCity West Coast Direct Award team numbered four officials, some of whom spent part of their time on other projects. The core team was supported by finance, legal, technical and economic specialists and received input from officials across the Department for Transport’s Rail Executive and wider Department where appropriate.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alexander Litvinenko

Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to conclude her consideration of the Coroner's ruling in the case of Alexander Litvinenko; and if she will make a statement.

Karen Bradley: The Secretary of State for the Home Department is giving fresh consideration to the exercise of her discretion to establish an inquiry following the Court of Appeal’s judgment of 14 February 2014 relating to Mr. Litvinenko. Once this is concluded, a statement will be made. In the meantime, the Government continue to co-operate fully with the inquest into Mr Litvinenko’s death.

Animal Experiments: Dogs

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account her Department takes of the level of distress caused to four week old puppies by separating them from their mothers in formulating policy on animal experimentation.

Norman Baker: Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, any procedures applied to animals for a scientific purpose which may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm require licence authorities. For a project to be authorised, it must be assessed by a Home Office inspector and a harm-benefit analysis performed.
	The harm-benefit analysis considers the likely harms which may be experienced by the animals as a consequence of the project, and compares these with the benefits which may result and the likelihood of their delivery. A judgement is made as to whether the likely harms are justified by the likely benefits.
	The normally recommended age for separating puppies from their mothers is about eight weeks. Therefore, a requirement for puppies to be separated from their mothers at four weeks of age for a scientific purpose would be deemed to require project licence authority. In such cases, Home Office Inspectors take into account the distress caused to young puppies by such early separation as part of the harm-benefit analysis.

Asylum: Syria

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Syrian people have been resettled in the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme since its launch; and what assessment she has made of the contribution made by (a) the UK and (b) other European countries to the UN goal for 30,000 Syrian refugees to be admitted to other countries by the end of 2014.

Karen Bradley: To date 50 refugees have arrived in the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme (VPR). We will continue to bring groups here on a regular basis, and envisage that several hundred people will be helped over the next three years. The VPR scheme does not form part of the UN quota but runs in parallel with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees' (UNHCR) own Syria Humanitarian Admission Programme. The Government have been clear that this is a crisis of international proportions and needs a fitting response from the international community. The UNHCR is best placed to comment on the policies of other countries regarding Syrian refugees. With 2.9 million refugees now in Syria’s neighbouring countries, we continue to believe that prioritising humanitarian aid is the best way to ensure that the UK’s help has the greatest impact.

Asylum: Syria

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many refugees from Syria are expected to enter the UK under the vulnerable person relocation scheme by 1 May 2015;
	(2)  how many refugees from Syria were accepted under the vulnerable person relocation scheme between 29 January 2014 and 23 June 2014.

Karen Bradley: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 127W.

Belfast International Airport

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment officials in her Department have made of the feasibility of establishing US immigration, customs and agricultural pre-clearance at Belfast International Airport.

Karen Bradley: Officials have made no such assessment, but would do so if this were requested by Belfast International Airport.

Civil Disorder: Birmingham

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of lessons to be learned from the police offer of immunity to witnesses in the case involving the deaths of Haroon Jahan, Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir in Birmingham during the civil disturbances in that city in 2011.

Damian Green: On 7 May 2014 the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) announced its findings in regard to Operation Pointer, an independent investigation into the conduct of two West Midlands police officers relating to the triple murder trial arising from rioting in Birmingham in August 2011. The IPCC's conclusions are deeply troubling-it is clear that the professional standards expected of all police officers were not met in this individual case. We expect West Midlands police to act upon the report and improve its systems and procedures.

Entry Clearances: Married People

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what monitoring her Department carries out on the amount of time taken by its contractor companies to carry out the required checks on people applying for spouse visas to the UK;
	(2)  what guidance her Department issues to companies which carry out the required checks on individuals applying for spouse visas on the appropriate amount of time for those checks to be completed.

Karen Bradley: The Department does not contract with any companies to carry out checks on people applying for spouse visas.

HM Passport Office

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when (a) she, (b) Ministers in her Department and (c) the chief executive of HM Passport Office (HMPO) last met staff representatives of HMPO.

James Brokenshire: The views of staff representatives are communicated to Ministers through the HM Passport Office chief executive.
	The chief executive holds regular fora and other meetings with staff at HM Passport Office premises.
	Events were held in:
	Durham on 12 February 2014;
	Liverpool on 14 March;
	Southport on 30 April;
	Belfast on 9 May; and
	Newport on 16 May.
	The chief executive also met local public and commercial services union representatives in those offices on those dates.

HM Passport Office

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of overtime in HM Passport Office has been in each month since January 2013.

James Brokenshire: Overtime costs in HM Passport Office in each month since January 2013 are as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 January 2013 105,137 
			 February 2013 67,582 
			 March 2013 369,397 
			 April 2013 407,202 
			 May 2013 581,587 
			 June 2013 477,902 
			 July 2013 342,479 
			 August 2013 227,851 
			 September 2013 123,480 
			 October 2013 94,474 
			 November 2013 93,127 
			 December 2013 84,145 
			 January 2014 199,146 
			 February 2014 400,812 
			 March 2014 840,588 
			 April 2014 793,559 
			 May 2014 964,742

HM Passport Office

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what definition is used by HM Passport Office of a straightforward application for passports for the purpose of setting internal targets; and if this definition has been amended since 2010.

James Brokenshire: A straightforward application is one where all the required information, including supporting documentation, is provided, the application is signed and no further inquiries are required in order to progress the application.

HM Passport Office: Belfast

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed in the Passport Office in Belfast in each of the last five years.

James Brokenshire: The following table shows the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff employed in the Belfast Passport Office in each of the last five years.
	
		
			  March 2010 March 2011 March 2012 March 2013 March 2014 
			 FTEs 171 163 160 182 205

HM Passport Office: Glasgow

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of changes in the number of staff in the Glasgow Passport Office since 2008 on the speed of the processing of applications for passports by that office.

James Brokenshire: Her Majesty's Passport Office does not consider that changes in its office in Glasgow have had any impact on the speed of processing applications for passports.

Human Trafficking

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 441W, on human trafficking: Albania, how much funding has been made available by (a) the Home Office and (b) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to establish the International Organisation Migration voluntary return package; and if she will make a statement.

Karen Bradley: In November 2013, the UK Government and the Albanian Government, working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), established a voluntary return package for female victims of trafficking who wished to return to Albania. This package includes the provision of secure accommodation in Albania (with guards and social services on site), child care assistance where required, and training or support to establish a business or enter the labour market. This provides the support and assistance required for victims who wish to return to Albania to rebuild their lives.
	The IOM package is funded by the Returns and Reintegration Fund. This is a cross-governmental programme, to which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice contribute resources.
	The IOM package is funded to the value of £138,000 over an 18-month period, commencing in November 2013.

Immigration

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to the Exchequer of the asylum and immigration system once fee income has been deducted has been in each of the last seven years.

Karen Bradley: Because of several restructures over the past seven years this information is not available in line with the question posed. Published accounts for the former UK Border Agency break down income and expenditure information since 2009 and further information is available in the Home Office Report and Accounts for 2013-14.
	These can be accessed from the following links:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/321446/ARA_web_enabled_18_June.pdf

Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which completed reports from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration have been submitted for publication but had not yet been published on 17 June 2014; and what the (a) date of submission and (b) date she expects to publish the report is in each case.

Karen Bradley: The Secretary of State for the Home Department laid two reports before Parliament on 19 June 2014, that had been supplied by the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration pursuant to sections 50 (2) and 50 (3) of the UK Borders Act 2007:
	An unannounced inspection of the service provided by Glasgow Public Enquiry Office, ID 13061402 06/14.
	The rights of European Citizens and their spouses to come to the UK: inspecting the application process and the tackling of abuse, ID 2634429 04/14.
	Four further reports have been supplied by the chief inspector that will be published shortly.

Interception Warrants

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many interception warrants were (a) issued, (b) declined and (c) cancelled by her Department under (i) section 8(1) and (ii) section 8(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in the last six months for which figures are available.

Karen Bradley: The Interception of Communications Commissioner, Sir Anthony May, publishes statistics on the total number of interception warrants authorised annually. His 2013 annual report states that 2,760 interception warrants were authorised in 2013 (under both sections 8(1) and 8(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000), a reduction of 19% on the same figure for 2012, and that 1,669 such warrants were extant on 31 December 2013. As a matter of long-standing practice, we do not provide more detailed breakdowns of statistics relating to interception warrants.

Mariam Ibrahim

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will offer asylum to Mariam Ibrahim.

Karen Bradley: The UK has a proud record of offering sanctuary to those who need it. Each claim for asylum is carefully considered and where we find individuals are in need of our protection, asylum is given. However, to be eligible for international protection, a person must be located outside of their country of origin.

Nitrous Oxide: Sales

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what actions she is taking to restrict sales of nitrous oxide (a) at festivals and nightclubs and (b) through the internet;
	(2)  if she will review the definition of butane product in the Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999.

Norman Baker: The Government have no plans to review the definition of butane in the Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999.
	We recently wrote to all summer festival organisers to highlight concerns we have about the availability of gases such as nitrous oxide at festivals and asked them to take steps to prevent the sale of these gases. We have received a number of positive responses to this request.
	Nitrous oxide has a number of legitimate medical and industrial uses, but any suggestion of misuse, particularly by young people is of concern. It is currently an offence to sell any gas for the purpose of causing intoxication to anyone under the age of 18, including over the internet, under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985.

NSPCC

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings have taken place since the beginning of 2014 between departmental officials and the NSPCC; who attended such meetings; what the purpose was of such meetings; and if she will make a statement.

Norman Baker: Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of Ministerial meetings with external organisations and individuals are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Cabinet Office website which is available here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-ministers-gifts-and-hospitality-oct-2012-to-dec-2012

Offences against Children

Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are assigned to (a) Operation Fernbridge and (b) any subsequent related investigations.

Damian Green: This is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Offences against Children: Internet

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2014, Official Report, column 667W, on offences against children: internet, to which police forces intelligence packages were disseminated; and how many such packages were sent to each such force.

Damian Green: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 19 June 2014, Official Report, columns 666-67W.
	The information requested is operational and cannot be released because of the possibility that there are related investigations or judicial processes ongoing.

Passports

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passport (a) applications and (b) renewal applications were received by the Passport Office in each (i) month and (ii) year of the last five years. [Official Report, 1 September 2014, Vol. 585, c. 10-12MC.]

James Brokenshire: The following table provides the requested information.
	
		
			 Applications for passports and renewals 2010 to May 2014 
			  Number of passport renewals Total number of applications 
			 January 2010 332,546 429,010 
			 February 2010 409,434 538,099 
			 March 2010 491,887 662,570 
			 April 2010 424,877 579,053 
			 May 2010 437,406 590,496 
			 June 2010 497,764 665,118 
			 July 2010 403,901 560,475 
			 August 2010 295,810 422,438 
			 September 2010 245,652 350,492 
			 October 2010 203,107 289,121 
			 November 2010 206,803 288,285 
			 December 2010 124,975 180,609 
			 January 2011 373,010 483,502 
			 February 2011 403,128 536,090 
			 March 2011 477,062 648,103 
			 April 2011 363,562 502,243 
			 May 2011 460,205 623,727 
			 June 2011 492,401 656,060 
			 July 2011 376,455 524,602 
			 August 2011 292,986 423,661 
			 September 2011 235,191 336,945 
			 October 2011 192,653 274,813 
			 November 2011 197,884 279,982 
			 December 2011 130,674 191,188 
			 January 2012 368,969 483,275 
			 February 2012 430,084 573,659 
			 March 2012 433,458 594,051 
			 April 2012 404,293 554,373 
			 May 2012 466,807 636,952 
			 June 2012 401,849 546,067 
			 July 2012 400,366 557,708 
			 August 2012 266,719 390,507 
			 September 2012 235,049 333,657 
			 October 2012 228,216 322,989 
			 November 2012 194,846 276,642 
			 December 2012 132,867 193,010 
			 January 2013 365,980 482,356 
			 February 2013 433,754 580,431 
			 March 2013 413,887 570,393 
			 April 2013 474,055 653,767 
			 May 2013 488,679 669,404 
			 June 2013 449,916 615,691 
			 July 2013 408,667 576,261 
			 August 2013 275,759 399,665 
			 September 2013 245,211 347,045 
			 October 2013 241,364 338,840 
			 November 2013 210,083 296,202 
			 December 2013 227,003 320,174 
			 January 2014 427,652 552,192 
			 February 2014 472,436 622,727 
			 March 2014 525,820 705,850 
			 April 2014 504,769 681,509 
			 May 2014 540,071 727,087

Passports

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to address the current backlog of applications within the Passport Office.

James Brokenshire: On 12 June, the Secretary of State for the Home Department set out to the House the measures HM Passport Office is putting in place to respond to the exceptional current levels of passport demand.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 12 June 2014, Official Report, columns 693-94 for details.

Passports

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received on the issuing of passports; and if she will make a statement.

James Brokenshire: Numerous representations have been made both about the general passport issuing process as well as on behalf of individual applicants. They have been received from Members of Parliament and the public. Those with concerns about imminent travel plans for individuals will be prioritised. All will receive a reply. On 12 June the Secretary of State for the Home Department made a statement in the House where she announced the arrangements we are putting in place to deal with the current level of demand for passports.

Passports

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of passport applications have been processed under the expedited service in each month since June 2010.

James Brokenshire: The table below shows the proportion of passport applications that were processed under premium or fast-track services since June 2010.
	
		
			 Proportion of all applications which were processed under premium or fast-track services 
			  Percentage 
			 2010  
			 June 8.9 
			 July 12.3 
			 August 13.8 
			 September 10.5 
			 October 10.6 
			 November 8.8 
			 December 14.9 
			   
			 2011  
			 January 6.9 
			 February 6.0 
			 March 6.2 
			 April 8.1 
			 May 7.5 
			 June 8.7 
			 July 12.5 
			 August 16.0 
			 September 11.2 
			 October 12.2 
			 November 9.8 
			 December 16.4 
			   
			 2012  
			 January 7.3 
		
	
	
		
			 February 6.4 
			 March 6.9 
			 April 7.2 
			 May 8.3 
			 June 10.5 
			 July 14.0 
			 August 20.2 
			 September 15.0 
			 October 12.9 
			 November 11.1 
			 December 16.6 
			   
			 2013  
			 January 8.4 
			 February 6.8 
			 March 8.1 
			 April 7.8 
			 May 9.3 
			 June 11.1 
			 July 15.1 
			 August 18.2. 
			 September 13.0 
			 October 12.3 
			 November 10.1 
			 December 13.5 
			   
			 2014  
			 January 7.4 
			 February 5.9 
			 March 5.5 
			 April 6.8 
			 May 8.0 
			 Total 9.8

Passports

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the policy is of the Passport Office on the passing of information on the status of a delayed passport application when dealing with correspondence from an hon. Member acting on behalf of a constituent.

James Brokenshire: Her Majesty's Passport Office's policy is to make available the same information to MPs and their constituency secretaries as they would to their constituents. On receipt of correspondence on behalf of a constituent, it is deemed that the constituent has provided authority for their MP to act on their behalf. This applies to written, e-mailed and telephone correspondence.

Passports

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the current anticipated turn-round time for passport processing is for (a) applications from UK residents making new applications, (b) new applications for a child's passport and (c) UK residents applying abroad.

James Brokenshire: Expected service standards for passport applications are published on:
	www.gov.uk

Passports

Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the average time period between application and issuing of passports for residents of (a) Airdrie and Shotts constituency, (b) Lanarkshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each year since 2009;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of the number of passports that were issued for residents of (a) Airdrie and Shotts constituency, (b) Lanarkshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each year since 2009.

James Brokenshire: Her Majesty's Passport Office does not store information at constituency level and the cost of extracting the information requested would be disproportionate. Information on passport processing performance can be found in HMPO's annual report and accounts, which can be accessed via the following links.
	2009-10
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/118758/annual-report-accounts-200910.pdf
	2010-11
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/identity-and-passport-service-annual-report-and-accounts-2010-to-2011
	2011-12
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/118751/ips-annual-report-2012.pdf
	2012-13
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210619/IPS_annual_report_and_accounts_2012-13.pdf

Passports: Scotland

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account her Department took of the timing of school holidays in Scotland in formulating plans to deal with passport application delays.

James Brokenshire: Each year Her Majesty's Passport Office plans its capacity, taking into account the likely level of demand during specific periods, including the run-up to school holidays.

Police

Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will estimate the Government spend per head of population on police services in (a) Nottinghamshire, (b) the East Midlands and (c) England in each of the last three years.

Damian Green: The table shows total core Government funding per head of population provided to each police and crime commissioner (previously police authority) in the East Midlands region and to England for each of the last three years.
	Core Government funding to the police is distributed using the Police Allocation Formula. The formula takes into account the relative needs of individual police force areas, not regions. A composite figure for the East Midlands region is therefore not shown.
	
		
			 Total core Government funding per head of population 
			 £1, 2 
			  2012-13 2013-142 2014-153 
			 Derbyshire 109.29 107.50 101.67 
			 Leicestershire 114.95 112.70 106.43 
			 Lincolnshire 91.65 89.32 84.10 
			 Nottinghamshire 126.27 126.60 119.70 
			 Northamptonshire 106.15 105.51 99.31 
			     
			 England 145.14 141.46 133.52 
			 1 Figures are based on total core Government funding which encompasses all formula funding to the police. 2 Population figures are based on the census projections that were used in the Police Allocation Formula to calculate funding allocations in 2012-13 and 2013-14. The population figures for 2014 are based on the latest census projection, as the Police Allocation Formula was not run in 2014-15. 3 The Neighbourhood Policing Fund (NPF) was rolled into Police Main Grant in 2013-14. To assist, the NPF allocations have been included in the 2012-13 figures. 4 The Community Safety Fund (CSF) was rolled into Police Main Grant in 2014-15. To assist comparison, CSF allocations have been included in the 2014-15 figures. Notes: 1. From 2014-15, the Home Office is also paying out council tax freeze grant funding relating to the 2011-12 and 2013-14 schemes and local council tax support (LCTS) funding to PCCs in England. This funding was previously paid to the police by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). This is excluded from the table to assist comparison with previous years. 2. The police in England also receive small amounts of central Government grant from other sources including the DCLG and Ministry of Justice. They also receive funding from the police precept component of council tax.

Police: Hartlepool

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will provide additional funding for Cleveland police to assist in (a) retaining and (b) increasing the number of police officers in operation in Hartlepool constituency.

Damian Green: Like all parts of the public sector the police must play their part in reducing the deficit and the vast majority of forces are rising to the challenge of reducing costs, maintaining services and cutting crime. Ultimately what matters is how officers are deployed, not how many of them there are and, in Cleveland, police recorded crime has fallen by 14% since 2010.

Police: Recruitment

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is a requirement on police forces to ensure that candidates for the role of police constable should have the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing; and whether such candidates have to pay for that certification personally.

Damian Green: There is no requirement on police forces to ensure that all candidates should have the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing. It is one of a number of routes for entry in to a police force and is designed to increase access and inclusion and to build the profession of policing.
	Other routes include a Level 3 qualification, service as a police community support officer (PCSO) or special constable. It is for chief officers to determine the most appropriate entry route for their force as they are best placed to determine the skills and capabilities that are most needed locally.
	Providers of the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing are approved by the College of Policing and it is a matter for each provider to set a fee. The Skills Funding Agency provides funding for those wishing to undertake this qualification if they are: (i) 18 and under, (ii) 23 and under and this is their first Level 3 qualification, (iii) unemployed or (iv) ex-military personnel.
	Those who do not qualify for such funding may be able to access a student loan to cover the cost of the fees, which is not repayable until they are earning £21,000. It would be a matter for the force to decide if they wish to provide any additional support.

Teleperformance

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what sanctions are available if TPContact fails to achieve and maintain high standards of customer service while providing services to her Department;
	(2)  what steps her Department takes to ensure that TPContact achieves and maintains high standards of customer service;
	(3)  what sanctions have been levied by her Department as a result of TPContact failing to achieve and maintain high standards of customer service while providing services for her Department;
	(4)  how many and what proportion of all UK visa applications processed by TPContact in (a) Israel, (b) Russia, (c) South Africa and (d) Ukraine have been subject to delays outside the stated service standards;
	(5)  how many and what proportion of all UK visa applications processed by TPContact in all its overseas service centres have been subject to delays outside the stated service standards;
	(6)  how many complaints she has received about UK visa applications processed by TPContact in (a) Israel, (b) Russia, (c) South Africa and (d) Ukraine to date;
	(7)  how many UK visa applications processed by TPContact in (a) Israel, (b) Russia, (c) South Africa and (d) Ukraine have been withdrawn by the applicant after the service standard for processing time has been missed in the last five years;
	(8)  what steps her Department took to ensure that TPContact was prepared for the required increase in capacity at its facilities worldwide to deal with the summer rush of visa applications.

James Brokenshire: Any failure against the contractual critical service levels may result in deductions against their submitted invoices. In the event of continuous and unacceptable failures the Department has the ability to terminate the contract.
	The performance of Teleperformance as with all of our contracts is subject to close Home Office scrutiny. The governance processes include regular meetings at all levels, from local operational teams up to senior official levels, to allow in-depth reviews of performance against the service standards set out in the contract, and to provide an escalation route to resolve any issues that may arise. We also expect suppliers to provide continuous improvement in delivery of customer services over the course of the contract, which is also monitored through these processes.
	The Department withheld payment of the contractual transitional payment until transition was complete in each country where Teleperformance operates. This has now been has now been approved for payment in countries where visa application centres (VACs) are operational but withheld in locations still to be transitioned. Ongoing contractual payments will be subject to the service credit process outlined above.
	The data required to judge performance against contractual service standards is not yet available. We are not aware of any withdrawn applications linked to delays in processing at the identified visa application centres since they took over this service. The Home Office is currently collating data on complaints for the period since Teleperformance commenced operations and it is not available for publication.
	UK Visas and Immigration has worked closely with Teleperformance from the point at which contracts were awarded to prepare for live operations, including the summer peak. Annual and monthly application volumes and forecast figures for 2014 were provided to Teleperformance as part of the tender process and local discussions have taken place to determine the number of appointment slots available. Opening hours have been extended and appointment availability has been increased in a number of locations to prepare for the summer period. Where VACs are open every day, the availability of appointment slots is continually monitored, with further measures being taken if appointments are consistently fully booked.

Trespass

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times a Notice under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been used to successfully remove unlawful settlers from an area in each of the last five years.

Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold this information. The decision to issue notices under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order (CJPOA) is an operational matter for the police.

UK Visas and Immigration

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an 0300 telephone line is available for people wishing to make enquiries of UK Visas and Immigration.

Karen Bradley: UK Visas and Immigration offer the following numbers for members of the public wishing to make inquiries.
	
		
			 Number Service 
			 0300 123 2253 European and Nationality related enquiries 
			 0300 123 2235 Asylum Support Customers 
			 0300 123 2241 General enquiries 
			 0300 123 4699 Sponsor and employer helpline

UK Visas and Immigration

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received on the incorrect 0870 telephone number being given out to applicants seeking advice on their applications with UK Visas and Immigration; and if she will make a statement.

Karen Bradley: We are aware that some UK Visas and Immigration letters may still contain the 0870 contact number, and this is being addressed. A small number of representations have been received on this matter.

JUSTICE

Doncaster Prison

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Doncaster spent in cells in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which figures are available.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12 information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.
	Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the frontline of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending.
	Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1½ million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition there are substantial numbers of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the Incentives and Earned Privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Licensing Laws

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were convicted of an offence under Sections 141, 142, 146, 147A and 149 (1, 3 and 4), 151, 152 or 153 of the Licensing Act 2003 in the last 12 months; and how many of those convicted were fined the maximum amount stipulated in that Act for those offences.

Jeremy Wright: The number of offenders found guilty at all courts of the listed offences related to the Licensing Act 2003, in England and Wales, from 2009 to 2013, alongside the number of offenders given the maximum allowable sentence, can be viewed in the following table:
	
		
			 Offenders found guilty at all courts for offences relating to the Licensing Act 2003, England and Wales, 2009-131, 2 
			 Offence description  2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
			 S.141—Sale of alcohol to a person who is drunk Convictions 6 3 5 10 5 
			  Maximum sentence3 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S. 142—Obtaining alcohol for a person who is drunk Convictions 0 1 1 1 1 
			  Maximum sentence3 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S.146—Sale of alcohol to person under-18 Convictions 331 258 194 182 128 
			  Maximum sentence4 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
		
	
	
		
			 S.147A—Persistently selling alcohol to children Convictions 3 6 7 10 1 
			  Maximum sentence5 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S.149 (1 and 7a) Purchase of alcohol by an individual under 187 Convictions 4 0 1 1 2 
			  Maximum sentence3 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S.149 (3, 4 and 7b)—Buying or attempting to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual under-187 Convictions 25 19 20 11 5 
			  Maximum sentence4 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S. 151—Knowingly delivering to a person aged under-18 alcohol sold or supplied on premises Convictions 0 0 1 0 0 
			  Maximum sentence4 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 S.152—Sending a person aged under-18 to obtain alcohol Convictions 0 0 0 0 0 
			  Maximum sentencer4 0 0 0 0 0 
			        
			 5.153—Responsible person allowing individual aged under-18 to sell or supply alcohol Convictions 0 1 0 2 1 
			  Maximum sentence6 0 0 0 0 1 
			        
			 Total Convictions 369 288 229 217 143 
			  Maximum sentence 0 0 0 0 1 
			 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 The maximum allowable sentence for this offence is a £1,000 fine. 4 The maximum allowable sentence for this offence is a £5,000 fine. 5 The maximum allowable sentence for this offence is a £10,000 fine. 6 The maximum allowable sentence for this offence is a £200 fine. 7 Data for offences under section 149 of the act are split into two groups within the court proceedings database and are therefore presented separately in the table: parts 1 and 7a—persistently selling alcohol to children, parts 3, 4 and 7—buying or attempting to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual under-18. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Life Imprisonment

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders released from one life sentence have been given another life sentence in each of the last 30 years.

Jeremy Wright: This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost through a trawl of individual records of prisoner releases.

National Offender Management Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many operational support grade staff employed by the National Offender Management Service on 31 March 2014 were employed on (a) temporary, (b) fixed-term and (c) full-time contracts.

Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of operational support grade staff that were employed by National Offender Management Service (NOMS) as at the 31 March 2014, broken down by contract type is contained in the following table. The information refers to staff directly employed by NOMS and does not include staff engaged through an agency. A fixed-term contract is the same as a temporary contract.
	
		
			 Employment type of full-time equivalent (FTE) operational support grades employed in public sector prisons in England and Wales as at 31 March 2014 
			 Employment type FTE 
			 Fixed-Term 160 
			 Permanent 4,990 
			 Grand Total 5,150 
			 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 in line with the Department’s policy for presenting staffing data. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts.

Newport

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what discussions on potential job losses in Newport took place between his Department, the Home Office and Steria prior to the decision to privatise the Ministry of Justice Shared Services.

Shailesh Vara: The Ministry of Justice is entering into detailed discussions with Shared Services Connected Limited (SSCL) regarding the future delivery of their back office services, with the intention of awarding a contract in August 2014. We expect this to bring increased savings and efficiency in back-office functions, provide further benefits across wider government and offer better value for money to the taxpayer.
	SSCL have stated their intention of providing 12 months job protection for all transferring staff from the point of transfer in October 2014. This means that there will be no compulsory redundancies during this period. No decisions have been made to close buildings and we expect all sites to remain open during this period.
	Following the transfer of staff, services and IT, there will be a stabilisation stage during which SSCL will look at how the service is currently delivered. No decisions will be made until SSCL has had the opportunity to fully understand the operation.
	We will continue to work with staff, trade unions and other stakeholders to assess any impacts on staff.

Newport

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish all impact assessments his Department has made on privatising the Ministry of Justice Shared Services in Newport.

Shailesh Vara: The Ministry of Justice is entering into detailed discussions with Shared Services Connected Limited (SSCL) regarding the future delivery of their back office services, with the intention of awarding a contract in August 2014. We expect this to bring increased savings and efficiency in back-office functions, provide further benefits across wider government and offer better value for money to the taxpayer.
	Prior to this decision, the two private sector options were compared against the option to remain a standalone organisation and assessed using evaluation criteria that considered IT, cost, staff impacts and the service to our customers. The assessments will not be published as they are commercially sensitive documents.
	We will continue to work with staff, trade unions and other stakeholders to assess any impacts on staff.

Open Prisons

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many offenders serving life sentences were held in open prisons in each of the last 20 years;
	(2)  how many offenders convicted of murder were held in open prisons in each of the last 20 years.

Jeremy Wright: It is not possible to provide the total number of offenders serving life sentences who were held in open prisons in each of the last 20 years, or the total number of offenders convicted of murder who were held in open prisons in each of the last 20 years, without incurring disproportionate cost.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what the average length of time taken is to appeal a decision when a personal independence payment has been refused; what steps his Department plans to take to speed up the process of appeal; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent representations he has received on the length of time the personal independence payment appeals procedure takes.

Shailesh Vara: The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support), administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions’ decisions on a range of benefits, including a person’s entitlement to personal independence payment (PIP).
	(1) Claimants for PIP can appeal to the tribunal on a number of different grounds, such as the rate of benefit awarded. HMCTS is unable to isolate data relating to appeals solely on the basis of a claim for PIP having been refused. HMCTS does not, therefore, hold the specific information requested.
	Information on all appeals against PIP decisions is published by HMCTS in Tribunal Statistics Quarterly. The most recent report for the period January to March 2014, published on 12 June 2014, can be viewed at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tribunal-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2014
	HMCTS has responded strongly to continue to increase the capacity of the SSCS tribunal and reduce waiting times. Initiatives have included increasing venue capacity and recruiting additional judges and medically qualified members.
	This has resulted in 545,840 appeal disposals in 2013-14. This is a 17% increase compared to 2012-13 (465,500) and a 26% increase compared to 2011-12 (433,600).
	(2) I receive regular representations on the SSCS appeals process which are taken into account as we keep the system under review. However, to date, I have not received any representations on the length of time the PIP appeals procedure takes.

Personal Independence Payment: Preston

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many refused claims for personal independence payment for people residing in the Preston constituency have been (a) appealed and (b) successfully appealed to date.

Shailesh Vara: The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support), administered by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions’ decisions on a range of benefits, including a person’s entitlement to personal independence payment (PIP).
	Claimants for PIP can appeal to the tribunal on a number of different grounds, such as the rate of benefit awarded. HMCTS is unable to isolate data relating to appeals solely on the basis of a claim for PIP having been refused. HMCTS does not, therefore, hold the specific information requested.
	Information on all appeals against PIP decisions is published by HMCTS in Tribunal Statistics Quarterly. The most recent report for the period January to March 2014, published on 12 June 2014, can be viewed at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tribunal-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2014

Prison Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff from each prison establishment had been sent on detached duty on 9 June 2014; and how many staff had been received at each prison establishment on detached duty on that date.

Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 12 June 2014, Official Report, column 316W. The previous answer provided information on every establishment that had received or contributed staff on detached duty until the latest available date of 31 March 2014.

Prisoners

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Hewell Grange spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(2)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Havering spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(3)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Hatfield spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(4)  how many hours per week prisoners in HMP Highdown spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(5)  how many hours per week prisoners in HMP Highpoint spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12, information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day, it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.
	Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition, there are substantial number of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the incentives and earned privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Prisoners

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison The Verne, spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(2)  how many hours per week prisoners in HMP Thorn Cross, spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(3)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Prescoed, spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(4)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Swinfen Hall, spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(5)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Wakefield spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12 information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.
	Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the frontline of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending.
	Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1½ million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition there are substantial numbers of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the Incentives and Earned Privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Prisoners

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Downview spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(2)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Dover spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(3)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Dorchester spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12, information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day, it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.
	Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the front-line of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending.
	Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition, there are substantial number of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the incentives and earned privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Prisoners

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Glen Parva spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the last date for which data is available;
	(2)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Gloucester spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(3)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Grendon spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(4)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Guys Marsh spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available;
	(5)  how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Haslar spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years; and what proportion of such prisoners were classed as unemployed on the latest date for which data is available.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12 information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	HM Prison Gloucester was closed at the end of financial year 2012-13.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell. Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
	Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the frontline of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending. Figures for time in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition there are substantial numbers of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the Incentives and Earned Privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.
	Information on the proportion of prisoners classed as unemployed is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the annual cost of imprisoning foreign national offenders in UK prisons has been in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) does not calculate separately the annual cost of imprisoning foreign nationals in England and Wales. NOMS does not analyse cost by prisoner nationality, as costs recorded on the NOMS central accounting system do not allow identification of costs attributable to holding individual prisoners.
	All prison costs for Scotland and Northern Ireland are a devolved matter and the responsibility of the relevant Minister.

Prisoners: Iraq

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to achieve a prisoner transfer agreement between Iraq and the UK; and what steps he is taking to achieve a prisoner transfer agreement between Iraq and the UK with regard to Danny Fitzsimons.

Jeremy Wright: The negotiation of a prisoner transfer agreement between the United Kingdom and Iraq is at an advanced stage. Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are in discussion with the Iraqi authorities and we hope to finalise the agreement at the earliest possible opportunity. Once in place British nationals imprisoned in Iraq and Iraqi nationals imprisoned here, will be able to serve their sentences in their own country. Given the security situation in Iraq, we have reminded the Iraqi Government of their important duty of care for foreign nationals held in their prisons and have asked for urgent advice on their contingency planning.

Prisons: Business

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the planned timetable is for each prison in England and Wales to achieve Steady State under the systems introduced under the new Business Development Gateway programme; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: The timetable for each prison to achieve Steady State is shown in the following tables. Arrangements are in place by which region Deputy Directors Custody (DDC) may recommend an earlier date to the Director of Public Sector Prisons.
	
		
			 Benchmarking Phase 1 
			 Establishment Steady State Date 
			 Bedford 31 March 2015 
			 Bristol 31 March 2015 
			 Brixton 31 March 2015 
			 Bullingdon 31 March 2015 
			 Bure 31 March 2015 
			 Cardiff 31 March 2015 
			 Channings Wood 31 March 2015 
			 Chelmsford 31 March 2015 
			 Coldingley 31 March 2015 
			 Dartmoor 31 March 2015 
			 Durham 31 March 2015 
			 Erlestoke 31 March 2015 
			 Exeter 31 March 2015 
			 Featherstone 31 March 2015 
			 Guys Marsh 31 March 2015 
			 Haverigg 31 March 2015 
			 Hewell 31 March 2015 
			 High Down 31 March 2015 
			 Highpoint (North and South) 31 March 2015 
			 Holme House 31 March 2015 
			 Hull 31 March 2015 
			 Huntercombe 31 March 2015 
			 Kennet 31 March 2015 
			 Leeds 31 March 2015 
			 Leicester 31 March 2015 
			 Lewes 31 March 2015 
			 Lincoln 31 March 2015 
			 Liverpool 31 March 2015 
			 Maidstone 31 March 2015 
			 Mount, The 31 March 2015 
			 Norwich 30 March 2015 
			 Nottingham 31 March 2015 
			 Onley 31 March 2015 
			 Pentonville 31 March 2015 
			 Preston 31 March 2015 
			 Ranby 31 March 2015 
			 Risley 31 March 2015 
			 Rochester 31 March 2015 
			 Stafford 31 March 2015 
			 Stocken 31 March 2015 
			 Stoke Heath 31 March 2015 
			 Swansea 31 March 2015 
			 Usk/Prescoed 31 March 2015 
			 Wandsworth 31 March 2015 
			 Wayland 31 March 2015 
			 Wealstun 31 March 2015 
			 Whatton 31 March 2015 
			 Winchester 31 March 2015 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 31 March 2015 
			 Wymott 31 March 2015 
		
	
	
		
			 Benchmarking Phase 2 
			 Establishment Steady State Date 
			 Askham Grange 31 March 2016 
			 Aylesbury 31 March 2016 
			 Belmarsh 31 March 2016 
			 Blantyre House 31 March 2016 
			 Brinsford 31 March 2016 
			 Cookham Wood 31 March 2016 
		
	
	
		
			 Deerbolt 31 March 2016 
			 Downview 31 March 2016 
			 Drake Hall 31 March 2016 
			 East Sutton Park 31 March 2016 
			 Eastwood Park 31 March 2016 
			 Elmley 31 March 2016 
			 Feltham 31 March 2016 
			 Ford 31 March 2016 
			 Foston Hall 31 March 2016 
			 Frankland 31 March 2016 
			 Full Sutton 31 March 2016 
			 Garth 31 March 2016 
			 Gartree 31 March 2016 
			 Glen Parva 31 March 2016 
			 Hatfield 31 March 2016 
			 Hindley 31 March 2016 
			 Hollesley Bay 31 March 2016 
			 Holloway 31 March 2016 
			 Isis 31 March 2016 
			 Isle of Wight (Albany, Parkhurst) 31 March 2016 
			 Kirkham 31 March 2016 
			 Kirklevington Grange 31 March 2016 
			 Lancaster Farms 31 March 2016 
			 Leyhill 31 March 2016 
			 Lindholme 31 March 2016 
			 Littlehey 31 March 2016 
			 Long Lartin 31 March 2016 
			 Low Newton 31 March 2016 
			 Manchester 31 March 2016 
			 Moorland 31 March 2016 
			 New Hall 31 March 2016 
			 North Sea Camp 31 March 2016 
			 Portland 31 March 2016 
			 Send 31 March 2016 
			 Spring Hill/Grendon 31 March 2016 
			 Standford Hill 31 March 2016 
			 Styal 31 March 2016 
			 Sudbury 31 March 2016 
			 Swaleside 31 March 2016 
			 Swinfen Hall 31 March 2016 
			 Thorn Cross 31 March 2016 
			 Wakefield 31 March 2016 
			 Warren Hill 31 March 2016 
			 Werrington 31 March 2016 
			 Wetherby 31 March 2016 
			 Whitemoor 31 March 2016 
			 Woodhill 31 March 2016

Prisons: Employment

Andrew McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison (a) Blundeston, (b) Brinsford, (c) Bristol, (d) Bullingdon and (e) Bullwood Hall spent in (i) cells and (ii) working.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12, information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day, it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell. Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
	Time unlocked was discontinued as a performance indicator for prisons at the end of 2011-12 because it was not used in the day-to-day management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the front-line of collecting the data. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation, resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of efforts to prepare prisoners for release and reduce reoffending. Figures for time in cell for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition, there are substantial number of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the incentives and earned privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Prisons: Employment

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many training places and work-related experience places have been provided by the ONE3ONE Solutions, since it replaced the Prison Industries Unit, in each prison in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Wright: Information is not collected and recorded to identify separately prisoner training and work-related places specifically attributed to ONE3ONE Solutions at each prison in England and Wales. To provide the information requested would incur disproportionate cost as it would need to be extracted from different management information systems including local and central records, quality checked, recorded and formatted.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure that prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	We are committed to increasing the number of prisoners working. The number of prisoners working in workshops in public sector prisons rose significantly from 8,600 at the end of 2010-11 to 9,700 at the end of 2012-13. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they provided work for some 1,200 prisoners in 2012-13.
	This work does not include the large number of jobs prisoners undertake such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning that contributes to the upkeep of prisons and helps offset the cost of imprisonment.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf

Prisons: Libraries

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many books are in each prison library.

Jeremy Wright: The requested information is not held centrally and would need to be collated through inquiries at each prison and with each prison library provider in England and Wales. This would incur disproportionate cost.

Risley Prison

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours per week prisoners in HM Prison Risley spent (a) in cells and (b) working in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Wright: Up until the end of 2011-12, information was collected on the average hours per weekday that prisoners were unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day, it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. Figures for each prison establishment for the three years from 2009-10 to 2011-12 have been placed in the Library of the House.
	It should be noted that time in cell includes hours when prisoners are asleep. Time unlocked includes time where a prisoner is either out of their cell or where the cell door is unlocked allowing them to move freely in and out of the cell.
	Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Figures for time in cell for the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Work in prisons is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully while they are in custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing reoffending.
	The number of prisoners working in industrial activity across public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 (the first year for which figures are available) to around 9,700 in 2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. Private sector prisons have also been supporting this agenda and have reported that they delivered over 1.5 million prisoner working hours in commercial and industrial workshops in 2012-13 which provided work for over 1,200 prisoners. In addition, there are substantial number of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving meals, maintenance and cleaning.
	Figures for public sector prisons are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf
	The establishment-level breakdown of weekly hours worked is not available centrally for 2011-12 and 2012-13 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Our reforms to the incentives and earned privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November 2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave well and help others if they are to earn privileges.

Secure Colleges

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish the success criteria against which the secure college pathfinder will be evaluated.

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice is developing a robust monitoring and evaluation strategy for the Secure College Pathfinder. This will ensure that the most appropriate methods for measuring the performance of the Secure College Pathfinder are in place.
	Detail relating to performance measures against which the Secure College Pathfinder’s construction and operation providers’ performance will be measured will be contained within their individual contracts, which will be published on Contract Finder in due course.

Youth Custody

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many children aged between (a) 10 and 12, (b) 13 and 14 and (c) 15 and 17 years were held in each secure training centre and secure children's home in each year since May 2010.

Jeremy Wright: Informed by advice from local youth offending teams, the Youth Justice Board places young people who are remanded or sentenced to custody in the secure establishment most appropriate to their needs.
	The spreadsheet shows the average number of children and young people aged between (a) 10 and 12, (b) 13 and 14 and (c) 15 and 17 held in each secure training centre and secure children's home in each year since 2009-10 (April to March).
	The 2013-14 figures will be published in the 2013-14 Youth Justice Statistics in January 2015.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time.
	
		
			 Average number of young people in each Secure Children's Home and Secure Training Centre by age group, 2009-10 to 2012-13 
			 Accommodation type Establishment Age group 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Secure children’s homes Aldine House 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 1 1 1 1 
			   15 to 17 2 3 3 2 
			  Total  4 4 4 3 
			        
			  Atkinson Unit 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 1 0 0 0 
			   15 to 17 3 0 0 0 
			  Total  3 0 0 0 
			        
			  Ayliffe Young People's Centre 10 to 12 1 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 11 7 9 5 
			   15 to 17 10 16 15 12 
			  Total  22 23 24 17 
			        
			  Barton Moss Secure Unit 10 to 12 1 1 1 1 
			   13 to 14 8 7 4 5 
			   15 to 17 8 9 13 11 
			  Total  17 17 19 17 
			        
			  Beechfield 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			   15 to 17 1 0 0 0 
			  Total  1 0 0 0 
			        
			  Clayfields House 10 to 12 0 1 0 0 
			   13 to 14 6 8 5 4 
			   15 to 17 5 5 9 9 
			  Total  11 13 14 13 
			        
			  East Moor 10 to 12 1 1 0 0 
			   13 to 14 14 8 9 8 
			   15 to 17 13 19 14 13 
			  Total  28 28 23 21 
			        
			  Hillside 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 3 3 4 3 
			   15 to 17 12 12 11 12 
			  Total  15 15 15 15 
			        
			  Kyloe House 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 1 1 0 0 
			   15 to 17 1 0 0 0 
			  Total  2 1 0 0 
			        
			  Leverton Secure Unit 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 0 0 0 0 
			   15 to 17 0 0 0 0 
			  Total  0 0 0 0 
			        
			  Lincolnshire Secure Unit 10 to 12 1 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 4 2 3 2 
			   15 to 17 4 6 6 7 
			  Total  8 9 9 9 
			        
			  Orchard Lodge 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 1 0 0 0 
			   15 to 17 1 0 0 0 
			  Total  2 0 0 0 
			        
			  Red Bank Community Home 10 to 12 1 1 0 0 
			   13 to 14 8 7 8 4 
			   15 to 17 16 16 19 13 
			  Total  25 24 26 16 
			        
			  Sutton Place 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 0 0 0 0 
			   15 to 17 1 0 0 0 
			  Total  1 0 0 0 
			        
			  Swanwick Lodge 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 5 4 4 5 
			   15 to 17 5 7 7 6 
			  Total  10 11 11 11 
			        
		
	
	
		
			  Vinney Green 10 to 12 1 0 0 1 
			   13 to 14 6 8 8 6 
			   15 to 17 12 11 12 13 
			  Total  19 19 20 20 
			        
			  All secure children's homes 10 to 12 6 5 3 2 
			   13 to 14 69 56 55 43 
			   15 to 17 92 105 109 98 
			  Total  167 165 166 142 
			        
			 Secure training centres Hassockfield STC 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 7 4 2 1 
			   15 to 17 36 39 48 38 
			  Total  42 43 50 40 
			        
			  Medway 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 19 11 9 6 
			   15 to 17 44 57 63 62 
			  Total  63 68 72 68 
			        
			  Oakhill STC 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 19 12 11 8 
			   15 to 17 53 65 65 64 
			  Total  72 77 75 72 
			        
			  Rainsbrook 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 13 11 9 6 
			   15 to 17 62 66 73 67 
			  Total  75 77 82 73 
			        
			  All secure training centres 10 to 12 0 0 0 0 
			   13 to 14 58 38 31 22 
			   15 to 17 196 226 249 231 
			  Total  253 264 280 253 
			 Notes: 1. These figures are averages of 12-monthly snapshots of the custodial population in the secure estate for children and young people, taken on the last Friday of the month or first Friday of the following month, depending on which is nearer to the actual month end. 2. The data only represents those young people placed by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales into secure children's homes (SCHs) and secure training centres (STCs). Some young people are placed in SCHs under welfare grounds and are not included in this data. Some of the SCHs in the table do not or never have had beds commissioned by the YJB, though the YJB is able to spot purchase beds from welfare establishments when the need arises. 3. Numbers may not sum due to rounding. 4. The information comes from the YJB's Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS) database and eAsset database. Information from April 2012 comes from the YJB's eAsset database which replaced the SACHS database for placing young people in custody. 5. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local Authority Funding

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the spending power of local authorities in relation to the level of demand for their statutory services.

Brandon Lewis: Councils are responsible for balancing their budgets, and every one of them issued a balanced budget for 2014-15. We have increased councils' flexibility by removing ring fencing from many local government grants. This gives them freedom to work with their residents to decide how best to meet on local priorities.

Council Tax Freeze

Stephen Metcalfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent assessment he has made of the effect on local authorities of the freeze on council tax.

Brandon Lewis: Council tax freeze funding has helped cut council tax by 11% in real terms since 2010. We have made £5.2 billion available to support councils who freeze, and built funding into the spending review baseline.

Social Housing: Rent Arrears

Ronnie Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of rent arrears in social housing.

Stephen Williams: According to the Homes and Communities Agency, at the end of 2013-14 the average level of rent arrears among larger housing associations was 3.6%, an improvement from 4.1% over the previous quarter.

Accommodation Agencies

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate his Department has made of the average lettings agency fees charged to tenants in the private rented sector (a) at the start of a new tenancy and (b) when a tenancy is renewed.

Kris Hopkins: My Department has not made its own estimate of the average lettings agency fees charged to tenants in the private rented sector but has taken note of the figures reported by independent organisations, such as the Office of Fair Trading, Shelter and Which.
	The Government are currently legislating through the Consumer Rights Bill to ensure there is full transparency on fees charged by all letting agencies, ending hidden fees. By contrast, I would observe that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has commented that the policy proposals of HM Opposition on fees would harm tenants, as it would lead to:
	“increases in rents to cover the additional costs visited upon landlords”
	and a
	“reduction in supply”
	(RICS, Letting agent fees for tenants: a tale of two amendments, 15 May 2014).

Care Homes

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to support (a) public sector and (b) private sector provision of extra care housing facilities for older people; and if he will make a statement.

Kris Hopkins: The Department of Health is providing £315 million over five years for the Care and Support Specialised Housing fund. The fund is administered by the Homes and Communities Agency and, within London, by the Greater London Authority. The main aim of the fund is to support and accelerate the development of the specialised housing market for older people and disabled adults, which includes extra care housing for older people. The successful bids for Phase 1 of the fund were announced last year and will deliver over 3,500 affordable homes. The prospectus for Phase 2 should be published later this year. Phase 2 will build on the earlier phase and will seek to include developments which work across sectors to deliver more specialised housing.
	Extra care housing for older people is also funded through the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Affordable Homes Programme. The allocations made outside London for the current 2011-15 programme include funding for over 1,100 extra care homes. In addition, extra care schemes are eligible for investment through the range of private sector investment programmes run through the Homes and Communities Agency; for example the Builders Finance Fund and Build To Rent. Details can be found on the Agency’s website:
	http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/ourwork
	Allocations for the 2015-18 Affordable Homes Programme are expected to be announced in July.
	Older people have a wide range of different housing needs, ranging from suitable and appropriately located market housing through to residential institutions. On 6 March, we published our planning guidance, which contains guidance on assessing housing need, and requires local councils to consider housing for the elderly against their housing requirement. The guidance requires plan makers to consider the size, location and quality of dwellings needed in the future for older people, which will be clearly set out in the Local Plan. We are clear that local councils and mainstream housing providers need to start taking older people’s housing far more seriously and increase the quality, choice and provision of housing for older people.

Combined Authorities: North East

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to exercise his oversight role in relation to the North East Combined Authority and its scrutiny arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Brandon Lewis: The Order setting up the combined authority requires that authority to have one or more overview and scrutiny committees.
	We have written to the councils concerned making clear we expect their combined authority to follow best practice on scrutiny, including that the membership of scrutiny committees should reflect the political balance of the councils. The letter can be found online at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letter-to-leaders-of-the-combined-authority-for-the-area-of-durham-northumberland-and-tyne-and-wear
	We have also consulted recently on proposals to make it a legislative requirement for a combined authority's scrutiny committee to be balanced in this way. The consultation closed on 24 June and we are now considering the responses. The consultation is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposals-to-amend-legislation-relating-to-combined-authorities-and-economic-prosperity-boards.

Educational Testing Service

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what contracts (a) his Department and (b) its agencies and non-departmental public bodies holds with the Educational Testing Service or its subsidiaries.

Brandon Lewis: None.

Fire Services: Industrial Disputes

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what military assets have been deployed in which locations in accordance with the Home Office Model Response plans during recent periods of strike action called by the Fire Brigades Union;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the number of military pumps available in England during each of the Fire Brigades Union strikes in 2013-14; where each pump was located; and whether each such pump was deployed.

Brandon Lewis: Pumping appliances crewed by Ministry of Defence personnel have been deployed at various defence locations during the strike action by the Fire Brigades Union. These are sited after consultation with the chief fire and rescue adviser. Fire and rescue authorities are responsible for undertaking their own business continuity planning, and associated contingency arrangements.
	No Ministry of Defence resources have been mobilised in England during the last 14 periods of strike action.

Fire Services: Industrial Disputes

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will publish his assessment of the robustness of resilience arrangements in place during periods of industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union in the event of strikes of duration greater than 24 hours.

Brandon Lewis: The responsibility for the preparation of business continuity plans to deal with industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union rests with individual fire and rescue authorities. Fire and rescue authorities’ business continuity plans have performed well in the last 14 periods of strike action by the Fire Brigades Union, including the 24-hour strike on 12 June. We expect them to perform well in any periods of longer duration.

Fire Services: Industrial Disputes

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many crew were available in each fire and rescue authority area during the 24-hour strike on 12 June 2014; and how many crew are available in each area on non-strike days;
	(2)  if he will publish his Department’s risk assessment of the potential under-resourcing of fire and rescue services during strike action;
	(3)  if he will publish his assessment of the workability of the protocol agreed between his Department and the Fire Brigades Union on recall to duty in the event of a major incident or national disaster.

Brandon Lewis: The levels of crewing available for each authority, whether or not during periods of strike action, are dependent upon a number of factors. These include the duty system being worked locally, availability of on-call firefighters and, during strike periods, local contingency arrangements, which are the responsibility of each fire and rescue authority. The Department collects details of appliance availability from local fire and rescue authorities on a confidential basis. The arrangements for business continuity planning during strike action are kept under review by the chief fire and rescue adviser.
	The principles of the recall to duty protocol, published as National Joint Council for Fire and Rescue Services Circular NJC/09/13, were agreed between the chief fire and rescue adviser, the Fire Brigades Union and the National Employers. Appendix 1 applies to fire and rescue authorities in England and makes clear that the chief fire officers are responsible for arrangements locally, in accordance with their service’s major incident policies. I am confident that should there be a major disaster, striking firefighters would return to work.

Floods

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the contribution made by the Prime Minister of 18 June 2014, Official Report, column 1116W, 
	(1)  what extra resource his Department will provide to deal with extended eligibility for claims made under the (a) council tax relief, (b) business rate relief, (c) business support relief, (d) repair and renewal grant and (e) severe weather recovery schemes;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the cost of flooding damage to (a) householders and (b) small businesses in the UK from the beginning of the financial year 2013 which will become eligible for support under the (i) council tax relief, (ii) business rate relief, (iii) business support relief, (iv) repair and renewal grant and (v) severe weather recovery schemes; and what estimate he has made of the number of additional claims made under each such scheme as a result of this extended eligibility.

Brandon Lewis: I can confirm that this is under active consideration. My officials are currently assessing the impacts of flooding throughout the financial year 2013-14 and the likely costs of extending the recovery funding schemes.

Floods: Bournemouth

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many requests from residents of Bournemouth East constituency for financial support following the winter flooding have been granted; and if he will make a statement.

Brandon Lewis: This Government have provided a range of financial support schemes to help individuals, businesses, farmers and local authorities return to normality after the winter's severe weather: these include council tax relief, business rate relief, the business support scheme, and repair and renew grants.
	The Government deal with local authorities who administer support schemes on its behalf. It does not deal directly with residents and does not therefore hold information at constituency level in terms of requests for financial support that have been granted: that is a matter for the local authorities concerned. I can say, however, that Bournemouth borough council has received some £350,000 to repair local roads damaged by severe weather, a further £268,000 from the Department for Transport's Potholes Fund and my Department is aware that as at 25 June, the council has received 70 claims for council tax relief totalling some £14,000, one claim for business rate relief and three applications from residents for repair and renew grant to help build better flood protection into their homes. The Government retrospectively reimburses councils for the costs incurred from their flood recovery schemes.

Housing: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many houses were built in each local authority area in the Thames Gateway in the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Kris Hopkins: Statistics on house building completions in each local authority district, including the local authorities in the Thames Gateway, are published in the Department’s live tables 253 (annual) and 253a (quarterly), which are available at the following link:
	http://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-house-building

Housing: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his estimate is of the number of houses that could be built according to maximum local authority allocations on brownfield sites in each local authority in the Thames Gateway in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Kris Hopkins: The requested information is not available centrally.

New Towns

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many expressions of interest in response to the locally led garden cities prospectus have been (a) received and (b) considered to date.

Kris Hopkins: Garden cities are not just housing developments: they are extremely complex infrastructure projects, and high quality proposals will take time to develop. We have had a number of positive informal discussions with localities in response to our locally led garden cities prospectus, published in April. We expect expressions of interest to be made formally once proposals are properly worked up.

Planning Permission

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance he gives local authorities on assessing the infrastructure required for sites which are included in their site allocations process; and what steps he takes if local authorities do not adhere to that guidance.

Nicholas Boles: The National Planning Policy Framework and our planning guidance make clear that Local Plans should be supported by evidence to establish what level of infrastructure is needed to enable the development proposed for the area and how it will be delivered.
	At examination, local authorities should justify their plan policies, including their deliverability over the plan period. Where an inspector concludes that there are fundamental issues regarding the soundness of the Plan, they will identify any conflicts between a draft local plan and national policy and regulatory process. They are able to recommend modifications to overcome these issues if they are asked to do so by the council itself.

Private Rented Housing

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2014, Official Report, column 578W, on rent, what his policy is on developing rent review clauses which are index-linked to inflation in a model for longer-term tenancies in the private rented sector.

Kris Hopkins: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer to him of 17 June 2014, Official Report, column 578W, which outlines the Government's policy and our opposition to the Labour party calls for rent controls.

Regeneration: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what dates the Thames Gateway Strategic Group has met since 2010.

Kris Hopkins: The Thames Gateway Strategic Group is a local authority led partnership that was set up by local authorities to provide strategic direction and targeted solutions to realise the area’s potential. Its Secretariat has confirmed that the Group met on the following dates:
	2011: 16 February, 22 June, 7 September, 1 December
	2012: 20 March, 9 July, 20 September, 20 December
	2013: 19 March, 11 June, 22 October
	No meetings of the Group have taken place in 2014 to date, but a meeting is provisionally scheduled for September.

Retail Trade: Change of Use

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what types of premises will be excluded from the wider retail use class announced in the Budget 2014;
	(2)  when he expects to consult on the review of the General Permitted Development Order announced in Budget 2014.

Nicholas Boles: We will consult in due course. The consultation will include proposals on the wider retail use class announced in the Budget 2014.

Valuation of Life and Health Interdepartmental Group

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what monetary thresholds were applied to the cost-per-quality adjusted life year quoted in the evidence submitted as part of his Department's work with the Inter-departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in 2008;
	(2)  if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's submission to the inter-departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review, including evidence submitted to the series of interviews with his Department's staff conducted by researchers from the University of Leeds and published in 2008;
	(3)  what the explicit monetary value per quality-adjusted life was in the context of the Fire and Resilience Directorate, as quoted as part of his Department's submission to the Inter-departmental Group for the Valuation of Life and Health review in 2008.

Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not held by my Department. I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of State, Department of Health, the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb), on 26 June 2014, Official Report, column 283W, which explains the historical context to this review under the last Administration.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Burma

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of UK aid to Burma is channelled through Burmese Government-approved organisations or mechanisms.

Alan Duncan: The UK does not provide funding directly to the Burmese Government. We publish details of which organisations receive DFID funding, and how much they have received, on the
	www.gov.uk
	Development Tracker.

Developing Countries: Disability

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people with disabilities her Department aims to reach with its development programmes.

Lynne Featherstone: DFID does not disaggregate programme data across our portfolio. Our objective is to integrate disability into wider programming and to influence partners to do more, and so the overall results largely depend on the nature of the social and economic reform programmes of partner governments.

Developing Countries: Disability

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in what ways her Department's work to give people in developing countries better access to financial services takes account of (a) lack of Braille facilities, (b) laws and practices discriminating against people with disabilities and (c) other barriers experienced by people with disabilities.

Lynne Featherstone: Our financial sector development programmes work to strengthen regulation, build infrastructure and improve financial capability to increase the access of poor people, including disadvantaged groups, to financial services that meet their needs.

Developing Countries: Disability

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department's country offices are encouraged to seek the views and input of people with disabilities in the design and delivery of their programmes.

Lynne Featherstone: DFID recognises the importance of people with disabilities having influence in the programmes and decisions which affect them. In DFID country offices, stakeholder engagement and participation, including with people with disabilities, are a fundamental part of strategic decision making and programme management.

Developing Countries: Trade

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy to support the adoption of a target to promote an open, rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system that complies with the mandate for agriculture, services and non-agricultural products of the World Trade Organisation Doha Round and implements the outcomes of the World Trade Organisation Bali Declaration in Open Working Group negotiations on the sustainable development goals.

Justine Greening: As we have already made clear, the UK supports a target to promote an open, rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system that complies with the mandate for agriculture, services and non-agricultural products of the World Trade Organisation Doha Round and implements the outcomes of the World Trade Organisation Bali Declaration. This language is included in the most recent draft goals and targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on 2 June.
	The UK is a firm supporter of an open, rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system. The UK is using its influence within the WTO to push for an achievable and pro-development outcome of Doha Round negotiations, while also ensuring full and swift implementation of the WTO Bali agreements.
	The final targets in the post-2015 development framework will however be subject to international negotiations in the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active role.

Developing Countries: Trade

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy to support the adoption of a target to increase trade-related capacity-building assistance to developing countries, including support for building their capacity to meet product regulations and standards; and if she will take steps to enhance Aid for Trade initiatives through (a) the Enhanced Integrated Framework in the Open Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals and (b) other measures.

Justine Greening: As we have already made clear, the UK supports the provision of trade-related capacity-building assistance to developing countries, and the importance of enhancing Aid for Trade commitments. Language on this is included in the most recent draft goals and targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on 2 June.
	Aid for Trade is a vital ingredient for helping developing countries build their capacity to trade. The UK spends around £1 billion annually on Aid for Trade, and DFID is working alongside other donors, multilateral organisations, and recipient countries, to enhance the effectiveness of Aid for Trade initiatives.
	The final targets in the post-2015 development framework will however be subject to international negotiations in the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active role.

Educational Testing Service

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what current contracts (a) her Department and (b) her Department's non-departmental public body hold with the Educational Testing Service or any of that organisation's subsidiaries.

Lynne Featherstone: My Department has no current contracts with the Educational Testing Service or its subsidiaries.

Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that there is greater equity across governments in donations to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations.

Lynne Featherstone: The UK is the largest donor to the GAVI Alliance with around 32% funding share during 2011-15. We wish to see the UK's donor share reduce and other donors share increase during the GAVI Alliance's 2016-20 strategic period. We are lobbying other donors to contribute their fair share ahead of the next replenishment pledging event in early 2015.

Marie Stopes International

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding her Department plans to give to Marie Stopes International for (a) abortion, (b) family planning and (c) other reproductive health services in the next 12 months; what assessment she has made of the value for money of such expenditure since June 2011; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: The Department for International Development (DFID) will provide approximately £45.8 million to Marie Stopes International (MSI) during the period 2014-15. DFID adheres to Development Co-operation Directorate (OACD-DAC) expenditure coding requirements to allow comparison across donor spending towards attainment of the millennium development goal targets. This does not include the facility to calculate spend for individual components of sexual and reproductive health.
	DFID assesses the value for money (VfM) of all its expenditure through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on an annual basis. Every project is subject to an annual review and a judgment is made as to whether the funding is achieving good VfM. More generally, investing in reproductive, maternal and newborn health is excellent value for money due to its low cost and far reaching benefits.

Tax Evasion

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy to support the adoption of a target to co-operate globally to reduce substantially international tax evasion and avoidance in the Open Working Group negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Justine Greening: As we have already made clear, the UK supports a target to co-operate globally to reduce substantially international tax evasion and avoidance. This language is included in the most recent draft goals and targets list released by the co-chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG) on 2 June.
	At last year’s Lough Erne G8 summit, leaders agreed to introduce a new international standard of automatic exchange of information to help countries combat tax evasion. We are working in the G20 to develop a roadmap that identifies obstacles to developing country participation in this new global standard. We are also working in the G20 to identify Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) issues most relevant to developing countries and to recommend actions to address them.
	The final targets in the post-2015 development framework will however be subject to international negotiations in the United Nations, in which the UK will play an active role.

Uganda

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking in response to the Ugandan anti-homosexuality act; and what steps she plans to take to encourage its repeal.

Lynne Featherstone: We have consistently raised concerns about the legislation with the Ugandan Government at the most senior levels, and sought assurances on the protection of individuals. Most recently, the Secretary of State for International Development and the Minister for Africa raised the issue with the Ugandan President on 6 May. We will continue to press the Ugandan Government at the highest levels to defend human rights for all.
	The UK suspended all Budget Support to the Government of Uganda in 2013 following the misappropriation of donor funds. After the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act we assessed our programme to ensure that UK aid was not being provided to organisations that proactively and publically promoted the legislation. Following this, the UK and other donors suspended funding to one organisation. We will continue to monitor this situation. We are also stepping up our support to human rights organisations that protect minority rights in Uganda.

CABINET OFFICE

Civil Servants: Recruitment

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how the civil service fast stream programme is promoted to students in Northern Ireland.

Francis Maude: The civil service fast stream marketing team use the careers site, advertising campaigns, on-campus promotions and events and social media to promote the civil service's graduate development programme across the UK. The Northern Ireland civil service is a separate organisation from the home civil service and therefore employs graduates separately through the Northern Ireland fast stream.
	In 2013 the fast stream marketing team used the free vacancy advertising service offered by the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast to promote fast stream opportunities. The fast stream programmes are also advertised on graduate recruitment websites with databases of over 700,000 students across the UK. Last October, fast stream representatives attended the Business and Finance Fair at Queen's University Belfast to generate awareness and attract talented students to the civil service.

Data Protection

Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many assessments of (a) nuclear facilities and (b) other critical infrastructure have been undertaken against his Department’s information assurance maturity model; and if he will publish all such assessments undertaken since May 2010.

Francis Maude: There is ongoing work assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities in UK’s critical national infrastructure. Details of this work, including any assessments, are classified.
	Progress against the National Cyber Security Strategy is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/uk-cyber-security-strategy-statement-on-progress-2-years-on

Exports

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what contribution intangible exports made to UK GDP in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what contribution intangible exports made to UK GDP in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 [201813].
	ONS measures UK exports of services. Exports of services cover a range of intangible products and activities and therefore will be the best estimate for intangible exports.
	Export of services contribution to GDP growth is shown in Table 1 attached.
	The underlying data can be found in ONS Quarterly National Accounts which is available on the ONS website at
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/naa2/quarterly-national-accounts/q1-2014/index.html
	
		
			 Annual UK export of services and contribution to GDP 2011 to 2013 
			 Chained Volume Measure (Reference year 2010) 
			  Exports of services KTMT (£ million) Export of services growth (percentage) Gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices ABMI (£ million) GDP growth (percentage) Export of services Contribution to GDP growth (percentage) 
			 2010 182,026 — 148,5616 — — 
			 2011 189,128 3.9 150,2216 1.1 0.5 
			 2012 192,123 1.6 150,6388 0.3 0.2 
			 2013 192,919 0.4 153,2652 1.7 0.1 
			 Source: ONS Quarterly National Account 2014 Q1

Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2014, Official Report, column 147W, on Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce, for what reasons the Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce has been reconstituted; what the terms of reference and mandate for the new taskforce are; what the membership of that taskforce is; and when the minutes of the reconstituted taskforce will be made available.

Francis Maude: Before 2010 there was no co-ordinated action to tackle fraud, error and debt across Government despite the significant losses to the Exchequer. In 2011 alone the Annual Fraud Indicator estimated Government annual losses from fraud and error were over £30 billion. It is also estimated that between £7 billion and £8 billion per annum is lost through debts owed to Government not being pursued.
	This Government established the first cross-departmental taskforce to address this issue after the last general election. In 2012-13 the Fraud, Error and Debt Taskforce reported savings and improved performance in detecting and preventing fraud and error of £6.5 billion, and is overseeing initiatives to improve debt collection. Despite this progress, we know there’s much more to do. The reconstituted taskforce is chaired jointly by the Cabinet Secretary and myself, and attended by senior Ministers and permanent secretaries, supported by industry sector experts, to ensure there is full alignment towards further reducing fraud and error losses and improving debt collection in benefits and tax credits.
	As was the case under previous Administrations, minutes of internal meetings are not usually disclosed.

Government Departments: Databases

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much was saved as a result of digitising data records in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13.

Francis Maude: The Government announced digital and IT savings of £0.3 billion for 2010-11, £0.2 billion for 2011-12, and £0.5 billion for 2012-13, against a 2009-10 baseline.
	We don't hold full details of the discrete savings made by Departments in digitising their data records.

Government Departments: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what audit he has made of (a) ICL mainframes, (b) IBM mainframes and (c) other legacy ICT systems in Government Departments and the availability of skills needed to maintain them; and when each relevant maintenance contract falls due.

Francis Maude: Government Digital Service (GDS) has worked to identify legacy IT equipment, which includes a small number of important legacy IBM and ICL mainframes. To ensure these are effectively managed Government are creating a Crown Hosting Service, which is due to go live next year.
	In many cases Departments are locked into contracts signed over 10 years ago, by the previous Administration, which means they are dependent on suppliers to manage these systems.
	GDS is supporting Departments to bring in new skilled officials to address a long-standing lack of digital skills.

Heart Diseases

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people died of congenital heart disease below the age of 40 years in each region and constituent part of the UK in each of the last 15 years.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people died of congenital heart disease below the age of 40 in each region and constituent part of the UK in each of the last 15 years. (202131)
	Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was congenital heart disease for persons below the age of 40 for each region in England for the years 1998 to 2012 (the latest year available).
	Table 2 provides the number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was congenital heart disease for persons below the age of 40 in each constituent country of the UK for the years 1998 to 2012.
	Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are published by National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency respectively.
	The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and underlying cause, are published annually on the ONS website at:
	www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27475
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was congenital heart disease for persons under the age of 40, English regions, deaths registered between 1998 and 20121,2,3 
			 Deaths (persons) 
			 Registration Year North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands West Midlands East of England London South East South West 
			 1998 16 36 30 26 27 32 56 34 27 
			 1999 8 36 36 27 20 37 57 38 13 
			 2000 13 33 36 23 25 34 46 37 22 
			 2001 10 45 24 30 26 27 42 31 19 
			 2002 15 30 43 16 23 22 28 36 17 
			 2003 8 25 28 24 27 30 31 43 13 
			 2004 11 28 31 24 28 29 33 32 17 
			 2005 8 49 39 15 25 18 41 33 31 
			 2006 5 27 23 15 26 18 29 34 21 
			 2007 6 20 32 23 30 15 39 36 18 
			 2008 5 33 20 19 25 12 27 22 13 
			 2009 10 27 33 23 27 12 32 33 23 
			 2010 7 40 31 20 20 18 32 18 15 
			 2011 7 21 29 17 22 20 34 20 20 
			 2012 9 30 23 28 29 22 28 17 10 
			 1 Congenital heart disease was the underlying cause of death defined using the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD 9) from 1998-2000; and the tenth revision (ICD 10) from 2001. See Box 1 and Box 2 for the ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. 2 Figures are based on boundaries as at May 2014 and exclude deaths of non-residents 3 Figures are based on deaths registered rather than deaths occurring in a calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was congenital heart disease for persons under the age of 40, constituent countries of the UK, deaths registered between 1998 and 20121,2,3,4 
			 Deaths (persons) 
			 Registration Year England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland 
			 1998 284 13 55 11 
			 1999 272 10 31 24 
			 2000 269 12 40 14 
			 2001 254 17 46 12 
			 2002 230 10 35 12 
			 2003 229 14 35 12 
			 2004 233 12 42 12 
			 2005 259 8 44 12 
		
	
	
		
			 2006 198 7 22 10 
			 2007 219 17 33 13 
			 2008 176 7 36 9 
			 2009 220 13 34 9 
			 2010 201 6 29 19 
			 2011 190 14 33 9 
			 2012 196 14 34 15 
			 1 Congenital heart disease was the underlying cause of death defined using the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD 9) from 1998-2000 in England and Wales and Northern Ireland and from 1998-1999 in Scotland; and the tenth revision (ICD 10) from 2001 onwards in England and Wales and Northern Ireland and from 2000 in Scotland. See Box 1 and Box 2 for the ICD 9 and ICD 10 codes. 2 Figures are based on boundaries as at May 2014 and exclude deaths of non-residents. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered rather than deaths occurring in a calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html 4 Figures for Scotland provided by National Records of Scotland (formerly the General Register Office for Scotland) and figures for Northern Ireland provided by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 
		
	
	
		
			 Box 1: International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes used to define deaths related to congenital heart disease 
			 Description ICD 10 Codes 
			 Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections Q20 
			 Congenital malformations of cardiac septa Q21 
			 Congenital malformations of pulmonary and tricuspid valves Q22 
			 Congenital malformations of aortic and mitral valves Q23 
			 Other congenital malformations of heart Q24—except Q24.6 
			 Congenital malformations of great arteries Q25—except Q25.0 
			 Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection Q26.2 
			 Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection Q26.3 
			 Anomalous pulmonary venous connection, unspecified Q26.4 
			 Other congenital malformations, not elsewhere classified - Situs inversus Q89.3 
		
	
	
		
			 Box 2: International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes used to define deaths related to congenital heart disease 
			 Description ICD 9 Codes 
			 Bulbus cordis anomalies and anomalies of cardiac septal closure 745 
			 Other congenital anomalies of heart 746 
			 Congenital malformations of aortic and mitral valves 747—except 747.0, 747.5, 747.6, 747.8 747.9 
			 Situs inversus 759.3

Jobseeker's Allowance

Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many jobseeker's allowance claimants aged 18 to 24 years have home addresses in each region of the UK; and what proportion of all young people in each such region that figure represents.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobseeker's allowance claimants aged 18 to 24 years have home addresses in each region of the UK; and what proportion of all young people in each such region that figure represents. (202506)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number of claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre Plus Administrative system.
	Table 1 shows the number and proportion of people aged 18 to 24 years claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, living in each region of the UK for May 2014, the latest period available.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at:
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk
	
		
			 Table 1: Number of people aged 18 to 24 years claiming jobseeker's allowance in each region of the UK, May 2014 
			  Level1 Rate (percentage) 
			 North East 17,065 6.6 
			 North West 32,165 4.7 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 29,440 5.5 
			 East Midlands 18,505 4.2 
			 West Midlands 28,705 5.3 
			 East of England 17,295 3.5 
			 London 28,830 3.6 
			 South East 19,090 2.5 
			 Southwest 13,835 2.9 
			 Wales 16,465 5.5 
			 Scotland 24,455 4.8 
			 Northern Ireland 12,880 7.4 
			 1 Data rounded to the nearest 5. Source: Jobcentre Plus Administrative System.

Ministers: Codes of Practice

Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what rules and guidance there are on Cabinet Members discussing matters related to their ministerial portfolio with members of the public who are not their constituents at a constituency surgery or other constituency event.

Francis Maude: The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of Ministers.

Respiratory System: Diseases

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many deaths related to respiratory disease there were in (a) Peterborough constituency and (b) the UK in each year since 2001.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated June 2014
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many deaths related to respiratory disease there were in (a) Peterborough constituency and (b) the UK in each year since 2001. (202516)
	Table 1 provides the number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was respiratory disease in (a) Peterborough parliamentary constituency and (b) the United Kingdom, registered in each year from 2001 to 2012 (the latest year available).
	Figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland are published by National Records of Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency respectively.
	The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each year by sex, age and underlying cause, are published annually on the ONS website at:
	www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html? definition=tcm%3A77-27475
	
		
			 Table 1. Number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was respiratory disease, Peterborough parliamentary constituency and the United Kingdom, deaths registered between 2001 and 20121, 2, 3 
			 Deaths (persons) 
			 Registration year Peterborough parliamentary constituency United Kingdom 
			 2001 147 75,963 
			 2002 147 78,902 
			 2003 181 84,548 
			 2004 137 78,155 
			 2005 169 81,399 
			 2006 147 77,809 
			 2007 159 78,388 
			 2008 145 81,322 
			 2009 147 76,696 
			 2010 138 76,064 
			 2011 141 76,419 
			 2012 178 79,918 
			 1 Respiratory disease was the underlying cause of death defined using the International Classification of Disease; Tenth Revision (ICD 10) codes J00-J99. 2 Figures are based on boundaries as at May 2014 3 Figures are based on deaths registered rather than deaths occurring in a calendar year. Further information on registration delays for a range of causes can be found on the ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/user-guidance/health-and-life-events/impact-of-registration-delays-on-mortality-statistics/index.html Note: Figures for Scotland provided by National Records of Scotland (formerly the General Register Office for Scotland) and figures for Northern Ireland provided by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Voluntary Organisations

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of the (a) total value of public service contracts that have been awarded to voluntary sector organisations in each year since 2008-09 and (b) proportion of overall public expenditure which was spent on public service contracts with voluntary sector organisations in the last year for which figures are available.

Francis Maude: Since January 2011 Government Departments have published information on the contracts they award on Contracts Finder:
	www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/
	Central Government Departments publish their expenditure with Voluntary and Community Sector organisations as part of their Quarterly Data Summaries (QDS):
	http://www.gist.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/oscar/

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Billing

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many creditors remained unpaid by his Department on 1 June 2014 for (a) 45 days, (b) 60 days, (c) 75 days and (d) 76 days and over.

Gregory Barker: The Department's current accounting system recognises invoices when they are submitted if they are made out to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and a valid purchase order number is provided.
	As at 1 June 2014, the following number of invoices remain unpaid:
	
		
			 Duration 45 to 59 days 60 to 74 days 75 days 76 days and over 
			 Number of creditors 5 7 0 4 
			 Total value of invoices unpaid (£000) 9 67 — 42

Educational Testing Service

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what current contracts (a) his Department and (b) each of his Department’s Executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies hold with the Educational Testing Service or any of that organisation’s subsidiaries.

Gregory Barker: Neither (a) the Department of Energy and Climate Change nor (b) its non-departmental public bodies hold any contracts with the Educational Testing Service or its subsidiaries.

Electricity

Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the answer of 14 May 2014, Official Report, column 593W, on electricity, what recent discussions he has had with the Independent Renewables Generators Group on the timing of the introduction of auctioning; what assessment he has made of independent generators' ability to raise project finance against the Offtaker of Last Resort before October 2014; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Fallon: I met with the Independent Renewable Generators Group on 24 February 2014 and discussed the introduction of auctioning for Contracts for Difference (CfDs).
	The Offtaker of Last Resort will support independent renewable generators by providing for the worst-case route-to-market, allowing generators to raise project finance without necessarily having to enter long-term PPAs. As a result, such generators are likely only to need short-term PPAs in order to maximise their secured revenue and level of gearing. We are on track to deliver the final policy and introduce enabling regulations ahead of first allocation of CfDs. CfD applicants will, therefore, have a high degree of clarity about the arrangements for OLR in advance of the first auctions.

Electricity Generation

Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the total amount of available coal-fired electricity generation capacity in the UK in each year up to 2030.

Michael Fallon: The Electricity Market Reform (EMR) Delivery Plan published in December 2013 included an estimate for the total amount of available coal-fired electricity generation capacity in Great Britain in each year to 2030. It is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268221/181213_2013_EMR_Delivery_ Plan_FINAL.pdf
	
		
			  Total coal-fired capacity (GW) 
			 2014 20 
			 2015 18 
			 2016 18 
			 2017 18 
			 2018 18 
			 2019 15 
			 2020 12 
			 2021 12 
			 2022 12 
			 2023 9 
			 2024 9 
			 2025 8 
			 2026 8 
			 2027 7 
			 2028 7 
			 2029 5 
			 2030 2 
			 Note: Based on a scenario of average carbon intensity of electricity generation of 100g CO2/kWh in 2030.

Energy: Meters

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to which geographical areas the roll-out programme for smart meters will extend; and when their programme will happen in each area.

Gregory Barker: In Great Britain, we are adopting a supplier-led approach to the roll-out of smart meters. Energy suppliers are required to take ‘all reasonable steps' to install smart meters to all of their domestic and smaller non-domestic customers in Wales, England and Scotland by 2020.
	There is no centralised roll-out strategy and suppliers are free to plan the roll-out in a way that suits their business and the needs of their customers, subject to the requirement to complete the roll-out by 2020. They are considering a range of factors in developing their strategies for this, such as the geographical location of their customers, the age of the current meter stock, and the extent to which they wish to respond to customer demand.

Fracking

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to simplify regulations applying to the UK's shale gas industry.

Michael Fallon: The Department works closely with the relevant regulators and industry to ensure that the regulatory system is as streamlined as possible, while remaining robust enough to safeguard public safety and the environment.
	In order to help companies navigate our regulatory system, the Department published in December a Regulatory Roadmap setting out all the regulations that applies to shale at the exploration stage.
	We have already reduced unnecessary duplication in the regulatory system for shale gas, clarifying and streamlining the regulation of exploration activity through the Environment Agency, including developing a single application form for permits. The average waiting time for environmental permits for onshore oil and gas is eight to nine weeks. We will introduce standard rules environmental permits later this year cutting permitting times for low risk activities to two to four weeks.
	The Department of Communities and Local Government published planning guidance for onshore oil and gas projects last July, which makes clear that planning authorities when assessing applications should assume that the environmental and health and safety regulatory regimes operate effectively rather than duplicating effort.
	We are also consulting on proposals designed to simplify current procedures for obtaining access to underground land. This consultation is open until 15 August 2014 and, subject to the outcome of the consultation, could lead to legislative proposals.

Fracking

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many hydraulic fracturing licences are pending approval in (a) England, (b) Lancashire and (c) Hyndburn constituency.

Michael Fallon: There is no hydraulic fracturing licence. DECC issues petroleum exploration and development licences (PEDLs). However, PEDLs are not specific to shale gas and do not give permission for operations, but grant exclusivity to licensees in relation to hydrocarbons (including shale gas but also other forms) within a particular area. All operations, such as drilling, hydraulic fracturing or production, however require planning permission, and applications are subject to public consultation. They also require access agreement with relevant landowner(s), Environment Agency permits, HSE scrutiny, and DECC consent before operations can commence. DECC is not currently considering any applications for hydraulic fracturing in the UK.

Fracking

Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure that the risk of flooding is taken into account in any potential shale gas sites.

Michael Fallon: Any development (including a shale gas site) that is planned near a main river or a flood defence (including a sea defence) will require a flood defence consent from the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency is a statutory consultee in the planning process and can object to any development that they consider to be at high risk of flooding. The Environment Agency will continue to assess each site on a case by case basis and work with operators and local planning to ensure sites are protected from flood risk.

Fracking

Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure that the views of homeowners are taken into account before any change in existing trespass legislation to allow for horizontal shale gas drilling.

Michael Fallon: We are currently running a 12-week consultation on proposals for underground drilling access for shale gas, oil and geothermal energy. Home owners are invited to take part in this consultation, and can respond by post, e-mail or by using our online portal. The Government will not make a decision on this issue until we have analysed the consultation responses. This feedback may help to refine the existing proposal, develop an alternative proposal or convince the Government that the existing system is fit for purpose.
	In addition to the consultation, we have engaged with groups or organisations that represent home owners. We held workshops in February and March this year, which were attended by representative groups such as the Country Landowner’s Association, the National Farmers Union and a number of local authorities and elected representatives.

Natural Resources: South East

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to publish the British Geological Survey’s assessment of the hydrocarbon resources in the Weald area of the south of England.

Michael Fallon: The British Geological Survey Weald Basin Report has been published and can be viewed at the following link:
	http://www.bgs.ac.uk/shalegas/

Nuclear Power Stations

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14, published on 23 June 2014, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policy on the evaluation of proposals for funded radioactive waste and decommissioning plans presented to him by private nuclear operators of the recent increase in the cost of dealing with legacy radioactive waste and decommissioning announced in that report.

Michael Fallon: Recent changes in the estimated costs of dealing with legacy radioactive waste and decommissioning announced in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14 are due in their entirety to the decommissioning programme at Sellafield. These costs should not be used as a guide to costs of decommissioning modern nuclear reactor sites. The vast majority of the liability at Sellafield is a result of the cold war military programme on that site, dating back to the 1940s, and the very early days of the civil nuclear industry, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. These historic facilities were built extremely rapidly to very different quality and safety standards compared with nuclear plants constructed today and without plans for how they would be ultimately decommissioned, These facilities present a unique decommissioning challenge requiring a complex suite of engineering projects in order to first gain access to their waste inventory before retrieving and then treating this material ready for long-term disposal. The activity required to decommission these facilities at Sellafield bears no relation to the work required to decommission modern nuclear facilities. Operators of nuclear power stations being constructed under the Government’s new build programme are required to publish plans detailing how these facilities will be decommissioned and the operators themselves are liable for the costs associated with this decommissioning work.

Nuclear Power Stations

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14, published on 23 June 2014, what estimate he has made of the additional cost to the public purse arising from the increased cost on an undiscounted basis of legacy radioactive waste and nuclear plant commissioning announced in that report.

Michael Fallon: As reported in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14, the Nuclear Provision (the estimated cost to complete the decommissioning of all 17 sites in the authority’s estate) is now calculated as £65 billion on a discounted basis (£110 billion undiscounted). These costs will be borne in their entirety by the public purse.

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by his Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Gregory Barker: In DECC, the staff declaration rate for disability is:
	5.7% have declared they have a disability;
	70.6% have declared they do not have a disability;
	23.7% have not declared their disability status.
	The 2013-14 performance ratings breakdown for these groups is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Percentage 
			  Declared have a disability Declared do not have a disability Disability status not declared 
			 1. SCS, Top; AO-G6, Exceptional performance 12.2 27.1 22.5 
			 2. SCS, Achieving; AO-G6, Effective performance 70.7 67.5 70.7 
			 3. SCS, Low; AO-G6, Need for improvement/developing 17.1 5.5 6.8

Sellafield

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the evidential basis was for the statement made by his Department's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in her foreword to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14, issued on 23 June 2014, that the continuation of Nuclear Management Partner's contract to manage the Sellafield site offers the potential of stability and focus on the priorities during a vital five-year period in the history of Sellafield as it transitions from an operational plant into a fully-fledged decommissioning site.

Michael Fallon: The decision on contract extension was for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in line with its duties and responsibilities under the Energy Act 2004. The Department has oversight of all NDA activity and, given the particular importance of Sellafield, officials were closely involved throughout the contract review. From this we were assured that the NDA reached its decision based on a thorough and independent review of performance in the first period of the contract and consideration of all the options available to it. Ministers endorsed the NDA Board's decision to extend the contract for a second term on the basis that rolling the contract forward represented the best way forward, giving the opportunity for NMP to build on progress made to date, address weaker areas of performance and make further real progress in this next five year term.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work Programme

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints his Department has received on the Access to Work scheme in each of the last five years.

Michael Penning: Access to Work complaints are handled in accordance with the DWP two-tier complaints process. The figures that are available since the introduction of that process are shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Customer complaints received 
			  Number of complaints 
			 2011-12 (Q4 only) 121 
			 2012-13 75 
			 2013-14 157

Children: Maintenance

Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Preston are in arrears to the Child Support Agency.

Steve Webb: Information on the number of people in Preston in arrears could not be provided without exceeding the disproportionate cost limit. This is because we would need to check individual cases as a parent can have more than one case.
	As of March 2014, there were 3,1901 Child Support Agency cases in arrears in the local authority of Preston.
	1 Figure rounded to the nearest 10.

Crisis Loans

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average loan award made for the purpose of paying rent in advance was in the last year of operation of crisis loans.

Steve Webb: Crisis loans may have been awarded for more than one purpose (for example rent in advance and living expenses). The Department does not hold the data to accurately calculate the average award made solely for the purpose of rent in advance.

Disability Living Allowance

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people with chronic conditions have been reassessed as eligible for higher-rate disability living allowance in each of the last five years.

Michael Penning: We do not hold the information requested.

EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions officials from his Department had with the Northern Ireland devolved administration ahead of the informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 29-30 April 2014.

Esther McVey: The devolved Administrations are always consulted on any European dossier deposited with the Cabinet Office that is subject to parliamentary scrutiny. While social security is devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly, International Relations are an excepted matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Influenza

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2014, Official Report, columns 703-04W, on influenza, whether the same experiment would be allowed to take place in the UK.

Michael Penning: The information is not available.

Jobcentre Plus

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 June 2014, Official Report, column 247W, on Jobcentre Plus, whether Jobcentre Plus is required to obtain the consent of a voluntary employment support project which receives no statutory funding before issuing a jobseeker's direction requiring a jobseeker's allowance claimant's engagement with that project.

Esther McVey: In return for receiving benefits we expect jobseekers to do everything they can to find work. This could include engaging with an employment support project. We expect districts to work in partnership with organisations that offer opportunities which will help improve a claimant’s employment prospects, but they are not legally obliged to gain their consent before issuing a Jobseeker’s Direction.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the skills level of jobseeker's allowance claimants aged between (a) 18 and 21 and (b) 22 and 24 years.

Esther McVey: All jobseekers are assessed at the beginning of their claim to jobseeker's allowance for potential skills needs that are a barrier to them finding work. Where a skills need is identified, claimants are referred to courses.
	This Government are committed to ensuring jobseekers have the skills they need to get into work. In 2012-13 171,100 young people aged 19 to 24 and claiming benefit started a learning course, an increase of 30% over 2011-12.

National Insurance Contributions Office: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Andrew McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions where the boundaries lie of the geographical area served by national insurance services at Newcastle's Jobcentre Plus.

Esther McVey: The boundaries are defined by postcodes and geographical areas served by national insurance services at Newcastle's Jobcentre Plus are:
	TS1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
	DL1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
	DH1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
	SR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
	NE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37
	NE38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69.

Personal Independence Payment

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average length of time taken to settle a personal independence payment claim is.

Michael Penning: The information you have requested is not currently available. Statistics on clearance times are intended for future publication but releasing them at this stage would give an incorrect representation of the process since the system has not yet reached maturity, and further quality assurance of the data is required.

Separated People: Advisory Services

Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department has spent on developing the Sorting out Separation web app; how many people are actively using that app; what the cost is per user of the app; what assessment he has made of the value for money of the app; and what steps he plans to take to ensure that future online development in this area represents good value for money.

Steve Webb: The costs of the Sorting out Separation web app are £417,500 to date. This includes initial build, maintenance and development, hosting, videos and promotion.
	Contracts and services for Sorting out Separation have been procured using the online ‘Contracts Finder’ and CloudStore (‘G Cloud’ framework). Both of these are flexible, low-cost methods of commissioning, which has enabled the Department to maintain a strong focus on value for money from initial development to live running.
	As of 31 May 2014 there were 180,000 visitors to Sorting out Separation, which equates to an approximate cost per user of £2.30. We have commissioned work on search engine optimisation to maximise awareness and usage and we anticipate that this will sharply reduce the cost per user in due course.

Social Security Benefits

Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of changes in the cost to the public purse of benefits payments as a result of changes in employment levels since May 2010.

Esther McVey: Since 2010-11 expenditure on benefits and tax credits paid to people not in work has fallen in real terms from £43.2 billion to £42.2 billion in 2013-14, and is forecast to fall further, to £40.6 billion this year. This is due to a combination of factors including welfare reform, changes to benefits and significant employment growth. The number of people in work has risen by 1.7 million since 2010, and the number of people claiming the main out of work benefits has fallen by over 700,000.

Social Security Benefits

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reasons for regional variations in the number of sanctions issued to benefit claimants by job centres.

Esther McVey: Local and district management are responsible for ensuring Jobcentre Plus staff apply labour market conditionality fairly and consistently and to make sure referrals to decision makers are appropriate and of consistently good quality.
	Decisions are subject to a quality assurance process to ensure that decision makers continuously apply the law fairly and consistency.

Unemployment: Brighton

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to tackle (a) unemployment and (b) youth unemployment in the Brighton, Kemptown constituency; and if he will make a statement.

Esther McVey: Jobcentre Work Coaches offer all claimants tailored support from day one of their claim, which includes skills provision, job search support and work experience opportunities.
	Those at risk of long-term unemployment are given personalised support through the Work programme. Jobseekers returning from the Work programme will get extra support through our new Help to Work scheme
	Work experience and Sector Based Work Academies participants also get additional help with internet access, help with job search in the form of mock interviews, CV construction and job and apprenticeship applications.
	Also, the work coaches have an information event on 2 July 2014 arranged in conjunction with Brighton and Hove city council and the Youth Employability Service to bring together local employers, apprenticeship providers and young people.
	Over the last year we have seen the total number of people claiming JSA fall by over 600 in Brighton, Kemptown and the 18-24 claimant count has fallen by 165 over the same period. This is a sign that the Government's long-term economic plan is working.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in which (a) areas and (b) jobcentre plus offices universal credit will be available to couples in (i) June, (ii) July and (iii) August 2014.

Esther McVey: Universal credit will accept claims from couples from 30 June in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Rugby, Harrogate, Bath, and the Highland Council of Scotland. Claims will be received via Jobcentre Plus offices in Hammersmith, Rugby, Harrogate, Bath and Inverness. Claims from couples will be gradually rolled out in the north-west of England from summer 2014 onwards.

Universal Credit

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of cases of a local authority paying a landlord directly because a tenant who receives universal credit was more than eight weeks behind on rent payments; and what steps his Department has taken to (a) encourage tenants in receipt of universal credit to pay rent on time and (b) tackle repeated non-payment of rent by universal credit claimants.

Steve Webb: Housing payments are not administered by local authorities under universal credit. All claimants in universal credit are offered practical help and advice on budgeting and money management early on in their claim alongside being advised of their responsibility to pay rent to their landlords. We make an initial judgment on each claim as to whether the claimant is at risk of default. If so we can put them on managed payments immediately. Any representations received from the landlord will be taken into account when reaching this judgment.
	If it is decided to pay the rent direct to the claimant then we have two safeguards in place. First, we will review our initial decision if we are advised that arrears have reached the equivalent of one month's rent. Second, if direct payments have continued, we will move to payment to the landlord if we are advised that arrears have reached the equivalent of two months' rent.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  when the IT system being developed by his Department for universal credit will be fully operating;
	(2)  when the IT system developed by his Department for universal credit will be fully operating; and when this system will start to be decommissioned to make way for the digital solution developed by the Cabinet Office.

Esther McVey: As part of the wider transformation in the development of digital services, the Department will further develop the work completed jointly with the Government Digital Service to test and implement an enhanced digital service. This enhanced digital service will integrate work and benefits activity allowing us to deliver the full scope of universal credit for all claimant types.
	Our single target operating model sets out how we will transform our approach and ways of working to ultimately make the universal credit service fully available online. Where it is both practical and operationally sensible to do so, we will integrate together the enhanced digital service with the existing universal credit service.
	We expect an early version of the digital service to be introduced to a limited number of claimants and staff by the end of 2014.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2014, Official Report, column 174W, on universal credit, whether he has approved the Department for Work and Pensions' business case for the implementation of universal credit.

Esther McVey: The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has approved the UC Strategic Outline Business Case plans for the remainder of this Parliament (2014-15) as per the ministerial announcement (5 December 2013, Official Report, column 65WS)—link to WMS:
	http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131205/wmstext/131205m0001.htm#column_65ws

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts: North West

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which arts organisations and events in the North West he has visited since his appointment.

Edward Vaizey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has visited the following organisations and attended following events in the North West since his appointment:
	Mellor Mill, Stockport
	Lady Lever Art Gallery, the Wirral
	Tate Liverpool
	Merseyside Maritime Museum
	International Festival of Business, Liverpool

Broadband: South East

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made on improving the availability of superfast broadband in (a) the Thames Valley and (b) Windsor constituency.

Edward Vaizey: I can confirm that the Berkshire broadband project was allocated £2.03 million, which was matched by the Berkshire councils, the project signed its supplier contract on 4 October 2013 and is proposing to make available superfast broadband to over 17,000 premises that would not otherwise have got it.
	Ofcom monitors and reports on broadband and the table is of Next Generation Access availability across Berkshire between 2012 and 2013:
	
		
			 Percentage 
			 Local authorities 2012 2013 
			 Bracknell Forest 76.8 96.2 
			 Reading 92.9 95.0 
			 Slough 91.7 96.6 
			 West Berkshire 59.5 65.1 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 83.1 89.7 
			 Wokingham 87.3 92.5 
			 Berkshire 81.7 88.5

Film

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the total value to the economy of the sale of UK film productions to foreign distributors in each year since 2005.

Edward Vaizey: The sale of UK film productions to foreign distributors is captured by the ONS International Trade in Services Survey within “royalties” in aggregate film industry estimates. The BFI Statistical Yearbook presents data broken down as royalties shown in the following table. However, royalties also include items beyond the sale of international film distribution rights, and cover all income obtained from the use of UK talent such as rights to use franchises, copyrights, licenses, patents and trademarks.
	
		
			 Film industry exports 
			 £ million 
			  2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 
			 Royalties 660 582 646 792 935 1,565 1,199 792 
			 Film production services 307 330 403 549 541 541 540 550 
			 Total 967 912 1,049 1,341 1,476 2,106 1,739 1,342 
			 Source: ONS ITIS Survey

Public Libraries

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what proportion of library users reported success in obtaining a specific book in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13 and (d) 2013-14;
	(2)  what proportion of requests for books were met within (a) seven, (b) 15 and (c) 30 days in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 and (iv) 2013-14;
	(3)  what the aggregate opening hours per 1,000 population were for all public libraries in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13 and (d) 2013-14.

Edward Vaizey: The detail requested is not held centrally by this Department, nor is it collected by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy as part of the annual public library statistics provided by individual library authorities.

Public Libraries

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent steps he has taken to provide more business resources in libraries.

Edward Vaizey: The Enterprising Libraries programme, a £1.2 million partnership between Arts Council England, the British Library and the Department for Communities and Local Government, is supporting local economic growth by turning libraries into spaces for the development of business ideas, providing coaching, advice, meeting spaces and IT support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Currently 16 public libraries in England are actively engaged in the programme and receiving financial support.
	Other specific initiatives being delivered through public libraries includes the Access to Research service. This two year pilot commenced in January 2014 and provides a free service enabling local libraries to provide users with access to a wealth of research, including business information. In addition, library authorities are developing business resources to meet local needs. Staffordshire for example has introduced Start2, a service that is available in all public libraries across the county and has trained staff offering information and signposting on all aspects of looking for and finding work, including providing a starting point for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business and small enterprises looking to expand by signposting them to relevant sources of information or specialist organisations.

Tourism: Yorkshire and the Humber

Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of the contribution of (a) Yorkshire and the Humber, (b) North Yorkshire and (c) Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency to the UK's tourism economy.

Helen Grant: The latest regional breakdown estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), published on 20 February 2014, show that in 2011 tourism in Yorkshire and the Humber directly contributed a gross value-added (GVA) of around £2.6 billion to the economy. This is 5.3% of the UK's tourism economy, which is valued in this study at £48.7 billion. The same estimates show that North Yorkshire contributed a GVA of £0.89 billion, which represents 1.8% of the UK's tourism economy. We do not have an estimate of the contribution of the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency to the UK's tourism economy.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agricultural Products: Exports

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he is making in increasing exports of UK agricultural produce; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The Government and industry first launched the joint Food and Drink International Action plan in 2012 and a refreshed plan last October. The plan commits us to deliver £500 million of value to the UK economy by supporting 1,000 companies by October 2015. In 2013, exports of UK food and drink reached £18.9 billion from £18.2 billion in 2012. In 2013, we opened 112 markets for animals and animal products, helping increase exports to non-EU markets by £179 million to £1.35 billion. This year, we have opened 54 new markets for animals and animal products.
	The Government have been successful in breaking down restrictions relating to BSE to provide greater opportunities to increase beef and lamb exports. Following lifting of the BSE ban by the US earlier this year, enabling export of beef once technical negotiations have been concluded, a memorandum of understanding on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies has been agreed with China providing a framework for negotiations. Once opened, these markets could be worth up to £181 million per annum. The Government and industry continue to work together to increase food and drink exports.

Agriculture: Bureaucracy

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to reduce regulation in the agricultural industry; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: DEFRA has taken a number of steps to reduce regulation in the agricultural industry. In January 2014, DEFRA announced proposals under the red tape challenge agriculture theme to scrap or improve 56% of the 516 regulations reviewed.
	DEFRA is carrying out a thorough review of the visits made by DEFRA and its regulators with the aim of significantly reducing the burden on generally compliant farmers and concentrating enforcement action on those with a history of non-compliance. We expect to achieve this through improved targeting of visits, stopping unnecessary checks or visits and sharing data between regulators.
	The agricultural industry will also benefit from our review of guidance and data. Our target is to make all DEFRA and its regulators’ guidance simple, quick and clear, with an ambition to reduce the volume by over 80% by March 2015. For data reporting we are aiming to reduce the time that businesses spend on reporting data by 20% by March 2016.
	As published in April 2014 in the Independent Farming Regulation Task Force report, incorporating earned recognition into dairy hygiene inspections has reduced the number of FSA inspections taking place on dairy farms by over 8,000 per year. 14 out of 31 on-farm inspection regimes incorporate an element of earned recognition and, overall, we are removing £13 of compliance costs for every pound added.
	We know that we have to continue to build on this good work and have further to go.

Agriculture: Finance

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on business support to farmers, excluding common agricultural policy payments in each financial year since 2010-11.

George Eustice: The Department spent £14.8 million in 2013-14 on support to farmers through specific grants. This excludes common agricultural policy payments. Figures relating to the three previous financial years would be available only at disproportionate cost.

Agriculture: Research

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on agricultural research in each financial year since 2010-11.

George Eustice: The agricultural science research and development budget for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was £53 million in 2010-11, £55 million in 2011-12, £55 million in 2012-13 and £47 million in 2013-14.

Agriculture: Somerset

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on UK food production of the recent flooding in Somerset; and if he will make a statement.

Dan Rogerson: DEFRA officials have commissioned an analysis of the economic impact of the recent floods on English farm businesses. The report is being finalised and will be published in due course. I shall place a copy in the Library of the House.

Air Pollution

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the introduction of further low emission zones outside London to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide air pollution in ambient air.

Dan Rogerson: The Government have funded a number of local authorities outside London to investigate the feasibility of low emission zones (LEZs) within their areas, through the annual Air Quality Grant Scheme targeted at reducing levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and accelerating compliance with EU limit values.
	This ongoing support is focused on addressing barriers and looking for practical options for putting in place NO2-related LEZs and similar measures.

Air Pollution

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which local authorities have been sent letters indicating that they may have to pay part or all of the fines arising from infraction proceedings following the European Court of Justice's finding against the UK for breach of nitrogen dioxide limit values under the EU Air Quality Directive.

Dan Rogerson: In March this year, DEFRA sent letters to all local authorities in England to inform them of the Commission's decision to commence infraction procedures against the UK for non-compliance with NO2 limit values, what it means and the next steps that should be taken by the Government in response. As part of this, local authorities were reminded of the discretionary power in Part 2 of the Localism Act under which the Government could require responsible authorities to pay all or part of an infraction fine.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many herd owners have (a) failed to complete TB surveillance tests on time and (b) received reductions in their Single Payment Scheme payments since the introduction of a revised TB testing regime in January 2014.

George Eustice: Owners of cattle herds are given a two or three month window to complete their TB surveillance tests, depending on whether they are subject to annual or four yearly surveillance testing. The enhanced cross compliance rule for overdue surveillance tests applies to cattle keepers with a testing window that started on or after 1 January 2014. In April 2014 (the most recent date for which we have data) 264 herd owners had failed to complete their TB tests on time, which compares to 689 overdue tests in April 2013. All of these herd owners who are Common Agricultural Policy scheme recipients will be liable to reductions in their payments once these become due, unless they can show that the late testing was beyond their control.

Flood Control: Lake District

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his Department will assess the viability of limiting the extraction of water from Windermere and Ullswater only when flow levels are high to reduce the risk of over-extraction and flood control.

Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency limits United Utilities to abstracting water from Windermere and Ullswater to periods when there is adequate flow in the downstream rivers. Recent studies of Windermere and Ullswater have concluded that both abstraction licences are sustainable. Current abstraction levels would not have a material impact on flood risk as the total daily abstraction would only equate to approximately 1% of the flow during a flood.

Flood Control: Thames Gateway

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on flood defences in the Thames Gateway in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Dan Rogerson: The annual totals fluctuate depending on local need for investment in particular projects and the level of funding available. The table below shows capital expenditure on flood and coastal erosion risk management within the Thames Gateway area between 2008-09 and 2013-14. Figures for earlier years are not available.
	The figures in the table include Government flood defence grant in aid, local levy (raised by regional flood and coastal committees from councils) and contributions from other public and private sources spent on projects carried out by the Environment Agency and by local authorities in the area.
	The figures in the table do not include revenue costs, such as staff salaries and the routine river maintenance programmes or region-wide projects and programmes, such as flood and coastal erosion risk management strategies and reservoir inspection programmes.
	
		
			 Thames Gateway area 
			  £000 
			 2008-09 17,975 
			 2009-10 35,342 
			 2010-11 29,907 
			 2011-12 13,740 
			 2012-13 10,583 
			 2013-14 13,558 
			 Total 121,105 
		
	
	The Thames Gateway area in this table includes expenditure on tidal defences in Barking and Dagenham, the outer Thames estuary in Essex, the Thames and Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee’s area, including Kent, the Environment Agency’s Thames Barrier team areas.

Floods

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the contribution by the Prime Minister of 18 June 2014, Official Report, column 1116W, what extra resource his Department will provide to deal with extended eligibility for claims made under the (a) Farming Recovery Fund and (b) support for fishermen schemes.

George Eustice: The Prime Minister in his comments mentioned looking at the eligibility for grants for those who had suffered from the winter flooding to earlier flooding incidents, and we are doing so. The Government have provided a number of funding support mechanisms for those affected by the winter floods. Because of their origin as EU grant schemes, neither of the two grants which are referred to here, the Farming Recovery Fund and the European Fisheries Fund, are open to extending eligibility.

Food Supply

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many weeks supply of food stocks are routinely stored within the UK.

George Eustice: The Government do not hold stocks of food. The UK Food Security Assessment, published in 2010 and subsequently reviewed biennially, is an evidence based analysis of our food security looking ahead ten years. The assessment considers the global context to UK food security as well as the resilience of UK food supply chains, and concludes that the UK has good levels of resilience based on diverse sources of supply as well as strong domestic production. The holding of stockpiles of food is not considered to be a valid indicator of food security.

Food Supply

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the role of British agriculture in supporting national food security; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The UK currently has a high degree of food security in terms of access, availability, resilience and variety of food supply. The evidence for this is in the UK Food Security Assessment, published in 2010, which analysed the different factors impacting on UK food supply. UK food security is built on a strong food production base in the UK and access to a wide variety of markets through the EU and an open, rules-based world trading system.
	Secure food supplies are derived from being fully integrated into a well-functioning and transparent global market, not just relying on UK production. Reduced access to global markets would heighten supply vulnerability in the event of emergencies such as poor weather, which negatively affect domestic production.
	Improvements in productivity which lead to the UK increasing its domestic production will benefit the food chain and the UK economy more generally and are welcome, but are not alone sufficient to guarantee food security.

Food Supply

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to improve the UK's food production to supply ratio; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: We are working with farmers, food and drink manufacturers and retailers to ensure the UK has the right climate to attract increased inward investment and to enable UK producers to grow and compete on global and domestic markets.
	To support the agricultural industry to improve productivity and competitiveness, the Government are investing £160 million in an industry-led UK Strategy for Agricultural Technologies. Other activities in support of the food and drink sector include: enabling consumers to select British products through country of origin labelling; working with individual sectors, such as dairy and livestock, to increase their competitiveness; and supporting industry activities to develop a skilled workforce and increase innovation.
	We are also improving public procurement of food and catering services so that it contributes to a competitive UK food and farming sector.
	To help UK producers grasp opportunities on the global market, DEFRA and UKTI launched the ‘International Export Action Plan’ and ‘Food is GREAT’ campaign. The Export Action Plan outlines an ambitious target, jointly agreed by Government and industry, to help 1,000 UK food and drink companies with their international growth by October 2015, adding a further £500 million to the economy. DEFRA Ministers are working hard to personally visit priority overseas markets, champion the best of British food and break down barriers to trade.

Forests: Huntingdon

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which areas of forestry and woodland in Huntingdon constituency are classed by his Department as ancient woodland.

Dan Rogerson: Of the 1,721.9 hectares of woodland identified within the Huntingdon constituency, 540.5 hectares (1.6% of land within the constituency or 31.4% of woodland within the constituency) is classed as ancient woodland.
	There are 45 discrete areas of ancient woodland in the Huntingdon constituency. 29 are located in the western arm of the constituency to the west of the A1, mainly around Grafham Water. The others are mostly in two pockets: in the southern arm of the constituency to the west of Great Gransden; and in the far north side of the constituency north of Alconbury.
	A map showing the location of the ancient woodland has been placed in the House Library.

Kielder Dam

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his Department will assess the viability of using Kielder Water as a water source and linking it to the national water grid.

Dan Rogerson: We have been working closely with Ofwat and the Environment Agency to consider how we can promote connectivity in our water supply system of which the establishment of a national water grid is only one option. The infrastructure investment needed for a grid is considerable. Water is also heavy, difficult and costly to move. Relatively local connections are likely to be the best options, incrementally building a wider and more integrated network.
	Water companies are already joining up sources of supply to build resilience and are strongly encouraged to consider options for interconnections in their Water Resources Management Plans (WRMP), alongside other options, such as demand management. All water companies have statutory WRMPs, which look ahead at least 25 years. The Water Act 2014 includes provisions that will make it easier for water companies to make bulk supply arrangements between their networks.
	Kielder Water has a very large capacity and offers security of supply to customers in the Northumbrian Water Limited operating area. Other water companies outside the area have investigated ways of using Kielder as part of their 2014 WRMPs. The water companies found that local solutions offered better value for both customers and the environment.

Meat Products: China

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what his Department's priorities are in the negotiations with China concerning the export of meat products other than pork;
	(2)  what progress the Government has made in its negotiations with China on the export of meat products other than pork.

George Eustice: Securing access to Chinese markets for a range of UK products is a key priority in the Government and industry’s Export Action Plan. In addition to our interests on pork, we are working closely with industry and the Chinese authorities to advance negotiations on the export conditions for poultry meat. This trade could be worth up to £70 million a year.
	Over the longer term, we are working to secure market access for beef and lamb exports to China estimated to be worth up to £120 million a year. We have recently agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese authorities and this formally initiates the detailed technical negotiations. This development has been widely welcomed by industry, and while the negotiations are likely to take some time we will seek to conclude them as quickly as we can.
	We are also pressing for early agreement on exports of UK poultry meat and have invited the Chinese authorities to conduct an inward inspection visit as soon as possible. I would encourage any plant interested in exporting to China to ensure it complies fully with Chinese requirements before any inspection visit.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs intends to visit China again this year to advance these and other UK market access interests.

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by his Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA outcomes for the performance assessment period 2013-14 are currently being analysed.
	The information, which forms part of a wider Performance Management diversity analysis, will be published, no later than January 2015, as part of the annual Workforce Monitoring Report under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Rain Forests: Conservation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness about steps to protect and preserve rainforests worldwide.

Dan Rogerson: DEFRA is the UK competent authority for the European Timber Regulation (EUTR) and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Regulation, which are designed to counter illegal logging and help protect rainforests. Information on both is published on DEFRA’s Central Point of Expertise for Timber Procurement (CPET). Information on EUTR is also published on gov.uk. The National Measurement Office, which enforces EUTR and FLEGT on DEFRA’s behalf, speaks at numerous events at which it raises awareness of the legislation.
	DEFRA is responsible for £140 million of the International Climate Fund (ICF) dedicated to international forestry projects. Our ICF spending so far has targeted rainforest deforestation in Brazil and contributed towards the World Bank’s Biocarbon Fund. Case studies of ICF projects are described on gov.uk, and details of ICF spending are made available through the International Aid Transparency Initiative.

Sharks

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what statistics his Department collects on shark populations in and near UK waters.

George Eustice: DEFRA continues to fund the collection of biological, distribution, and abundance data on sharks through dedicated fisheries surveys. We also work very closely with non-governmental organisations, such as the Shark Trust, which also keep valuable records.

Sharks

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will assess the chance of a possible increase in shark numbers in and near UK waters as a result of climate change.

George Eustice: DEFRA continues to collect data on the distribution and abundance of sharks through dedicated fisheries surveys. This and all other relevant information will contribute to future assessments of the state of UK seas and our progress towards achieving Good Environmental Status as required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Such assessments will take into account climate change.

Timber: Trade

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will meet environmental groups and specialists in the field to discuss the trade of legal hardwood timber and associated environmental concerns.

Dan Rogerson: DEFRA recently hosted a stakeholder event on the European Timber Regulation and the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Regulations, at which Lord de Mauley met interested parties, including several NGOs. Next month he will be speaking at a launch event for WWF’s major upcoming timber campaign, which will be another chance to engage directly with a range of interested parties.
	As responsible Minister, Lord de Mauley would be happy to consider any invitations to meetings on this subject.

Vacant Land

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how his Department defines surplus land; and what land held by his Department's non-departmental public bodies can be so described.

Dan Rogerson: The Department defines surplus land as land surplus to its business requirements.
	The following table sets out land held by the Department's Non-departmental public bodies that is surplus as at 23 June 2014.
	
		
			 Department ALB (if relevant) Asset name Asset address 
			 DEFRA EA Haven River: Former Mussel Washing Plant Cut End Road, Boston, Lincolnshire 
			 DEFRA EA Trentside Offices-Freehold Land Trentside North, West Bridgford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire 
			 DEFRA EA River Welland, Spalding East Bank River Welland at Lock Mill House, Cowbit Road. Spalding. South Holland, Lincolnshire 
			 DEFRA EA River Stour Near Bear Street, Nayland, Colchester, Essex 
			 DEFRA EA Wandsworth Triangle High Street, Wandsworth, London 
			 DEFRA EA Slaidburn Witcher Well Dunsop Witcher Well Hatchery. Dunsop Bridge, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire 
			 DEFRA EA Allotments Chertsey Hill Rear of Chertsey Grove, Chertsey Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria 
			 DEFRA EA 61-67 Knutsford Road 61-67 Knutsford Road, Latchford, Warrington, Cheshire 
			 DEFRA EA Killington R. Lune broadraine River Lune Fishing Rights, Adjoining Broad Raine Mill, Killington, Sedbergh Cumbria 
			 DEFRA EA Tonbridge Town Lock NE of Medway Wharf Road, Off Cannon Road, Tonbridge, Kent 
			 DEFRA EA Dymchurch Sea Wall, Hythe Rd Hythe Road, Dymchurch, Romney Marsh, Kent 
			 DEFRA EA Banbury FAS (Additional Land) Banbury, Oxfordshire 
			 DEFRA EA Banbury FAS (Additional Land 3) Banbury, Oxfordshire 
			 DEFRA EA Banbury FAS (Additional Land 1) Banbury, Oxfordshire 
			 DEFRA EA Land adj 21 Esher Road Esher Road, East Molesey, Surrey 
			 DEFRA EA Pumping Station adj to 21 Esher Road Esher Road, East Molesey, Surrey 
			 DEFRA EA Botany Stream Improvement Land off Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, Kent 
			 DEFRA EA Lavendon Mill Lavendon Road, Olney, Buckinghamshire 
			 DEFRA EA Land at Blackditch Rhyne and Nailsea Nailsea Wall, Nailsea, Clevedon, Avon 
			 DEFRA EA Langport: Cocklemoor Land at Cocklemoor. Whatley, Langport, Somerset 
			 DEFRA EA Dudley Port Johns Lane, Tipton, Sandwell, West Midlands 
			 DEFRA EA Hull Plot 38, Watton Nature Reserve Tophill Low WTW. Baswick, Brandesburton, Driffield, North Humberside

TREASURY

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential effect of the tax-free childcare scheme on childcare prices; and if he will make a statement.

Nicky Morgan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 March 2014, Official Report, column 152W.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to paragraph 3.22 of Delivering Tax-free childcare: the Government’s response to the consultation on design and operation, when the decision to make National Savings and Investments HM Revenue and Customs’ delivery partner for tax-free childcare was made.

Nicky Morgan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 June 2014, Official Report, column 625W.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 19 June 2014, Official Report, column 674W, on children: day care, what the cost to the public purse was of the report prepared by Economic Insight for his Department.

Nicky Morgan: The cost of the Economic Insight report can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295442/transparency_spend_over _25k_february_2014.csv/preview

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to paragraph 6.10 of Delivering Tax-free childcare: the Government's response to the consultation on design and operation published in March 2014, what clear guidance and communications tools his Department plans to provide to help parents make informed decisions on which scheme is best for their circumstances.

Nicky Morgan: The Government's response to the consultation on design and operation of tax-free childcare set out in paragraph 6.11 that the Government will provide detailed online information and consider other communications channels that can be used to raise awareness and understanding of tax-free childcare.
	The Government will work with stakeholders, including parents, to develop guidance to help parents understand the scheme, including the interactions between tax-free childcare and other Government support.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of families currently paying for childcare that will be eligible for the proposed tax-free childcare scheme.

Nicky Morgan: The information requested is not available.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the take-up of tax-free childcare by parents in each income (a) decile and (b) percentile.

Nicky Morgan: This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Children: Day Care

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the (a) median and (b) mean value of top-up that the Government will contribute to each child under the tax-free childcare scheme.

Nicky Morgan: The Government have published an Impact Assessment on Tax-Free Childcare here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-free-childcare-impact-assessment

Corporation Tax: Ashfield

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid in corporation tax by businesses registered in Ashfield constituency in each of the last five years; and what proportion of such taxation was paid by small and medium-sized enterprises.

David Gauke: Since 2010, the Government have cut the main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 21%. It will fall further to 20% in April 2015. The small profits rate was cut to 20% in April 2011. These corporation tax cuts will be worth around £9.5 billion per year to businesses by 2016-17.
	The table below sets out the amount of corporation tax liable for payment by businesses with a registered address in the Ashfield parliamentary constituency for accounting periods ending in the past five years. The latest year for which figures are available is 2011-12.
	
		
			  Corporation tax liability (£ million) 
			 2007-08 36 
		
	
	
		
			 2008-09 29 
			 2009-10 26 
			 2010-11 26 
			 2011-12 30 
		
	
	Figures on the amount of tax paid, broken down by company size, are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Diesel Fuel: Excise Duties

Andrew Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much in tax accrued to the Exchequer in fuel duty on diesel in 2013; and what quantity of diesel this figure represents.

Nicky Morgan: This information can be found at the UK Trade Info website at:
	https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/TaxAndDutybulletins.aspx

Dover Priory Station

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 395W, on Revenue and Customs, when discussions between HM Revenue and Customs, Mapeley and Network Rail regarding the sale of land on the western perimeter of the Priory Court site and the construction of new parking facilities for Dover Priory Railway station have taken place.

David Gauke: 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 395W does not relate to discussions between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Mapeley and Network Rail.
	Previous replies have explained that HMRC does not own the Priory Court Site but occupies it as part of the STEPS PFI agreement with Mapeley. HM Revenue and Customs have held formal discussions with Mapeley and Network Rail which commenced in February 2014. Further discussions of future proposals have been between Mapeley, as the freehold owner of Priory Court, and Network Rail.

Dover Priory Station

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 395W, on Revenue and Customs, which personnel attended discussions between HM Revenue and Customs, Mapeley and Network Rail regarding the sale of land on the western perimeter of the Priory Court site.

David Gauke: 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 395W does not relate to discussions between HM Revenue and Customs, Mapeley and Network Rail. Representatives from HMRC Estates and Support Services Team and from local HMRC business attended initial discussions with Mapeley and Network Rail on proposals for the construction of a multi storey car park on land adjacent to Priory Court Dover. Previous replies have explained that further discussions, on the sale of land on the western perimeter of the Priory Court site, have been between Mapeley as the freehold owner of Priory Court and Network Rail.

Lloyds Bank: Warrington

Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will hold discussions with Lloyds Bank on the effect of the proposed closure of its contact centre in Warrington on women workers who cannot re-locate because of (a) childcare or other caring responsibilities and (b) a lack of adequate public transport provision;
	(2)  if he will hold discussions with Lloyds Bank on (a) the proposed closure of its contact centre in Warrington and (b) the possibility of other jobs being based there.

Andrea Leadsom: Lloyds Banking Group is run on a commercial basis. The bank retains its own independent board and management team with responsibility for determining its own strategies and commercial policies including those which may relate to the location of business functions.
	The Government’s shareholding in Lloyds is managed on an arm's length basis by UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI). As an engaged shareholder, UKFI works closely with the bank’s management to hold management rigorously to account for performance. UKFI’s role is to manage the investment and ensure that the bank’s strategy maximises value for money for the taxpayer. The Government do not get involved in any of the day to day decisions of Lloyds Bank.

Mapeley

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when assessments have been made of the value for money of the private finance initiative contract between HM Revenue and Customs and Mapeley STEPS Contractor Limited; and when the first such assessment was made.

David Gauke: The National Audit Office (NAO) have conducted two value for money assessments on the private finance initiative contract between HM Revenue and Customs and Mapeley STEPS Contractor Limited. The first of these, PFI: The STEPS Deal, was published by the NAO on 7 May 2004. The second NAO value for money assessment, HM Revenue and Customs’ Estate Private Finance Deal Eight Years On, was published on 3 December 2009.

Minimum Wage: Northern Ireland

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2014, Official Report, column 36W, on minimum wage: Northern Ireland, 
	(1)  whether HM Revenue and Customs' national minimum wage enforcement team have any staff located in Northern Ireland outside the city of Belfast;
	(2)  how many people are employed (a) full-time and (b) part-time in the HM Revenue and Customs national minimum wage enforcement team based in Belfast.

David Gauke: The Government take the enforcement of national minimum wage (NMW) very seriously and HMRC enforces the NMW legislation on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It does that by investigating all complaints made about employers suspected of not paying the minimum wage, in addition, carrying out targeted enforcement where it identifies a high risk of non-payment of NMW across the whole of the UK.
	The national minimum wage team in Northern Ireland contains six full-time and two-part-time staff with all using Belfast as a base location.
	However, as I explained in my previous response, HMRC deploys resources to risk, so work relating to a specific geographical area may not always be undertaken by the NMW team based in that area. In addition, the NMW Dynamic Response Team (DRT) provides a multi-agency response to emerging risks, high profile casework and compliance initiatives across the UK.

Revenue and Customs

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make an assessment of the effect on public perception of the efficacy of HM Revenue and Customs of including levels of revenue protection together with levels of additional revenue collected when publicising the effect of compliance activities by HM Revenue and Customs.

David Gauke: It is important that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC’s) methodology for assessing the effects of its compliance activities reflects the full range of impacts of its activities on customer compliance, both to provide accountability for its overall performance and to manage its business and the performance of its compliance teams on a day-to-day basis.
	Revenue protected sets out tax receipts that are protected through HMRC activity. It includes the effects of seizing smuggled goods and the direct cash effects from activity such as preventing repayments, as well as an assessment of the impacts of HMRC activity on future taxpayer behavior. Ensuring that customers are put on the right track for the future, rather than waiting for non-compliance to occur before stepping in, is better for customer, better for the Exchequer, and more efficient for HMRC.
	The concept of revenue protected is also not a new one, it has always been a feature of HMRC’s compliance performance although this component was not separately identified before 2011-12 in external reporting.

Sanitary Protection: VAT

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has accrued to the Exchequer in VAT receipts from the sale of sanitary products in each of the last five years; and if he will review the applicability of such a tax with existing equality legislation.

David Gauke: VAT receipts from the sale of sanitary products, subject to the reduced rate of VAT, are estimated to have been approximately £15 million in each of the last five years.
	VAT rules apply the standard rate of 20% to most goods and services. While there are exceptions to this standard rate, these are strictly limited under EU VAT law.
	One such exception is that female sanitary products can be subject to a reduced rate of VAT. Since 2001, the UK has therefore applied a 5% reduced rate of VAT, the lowest permissible under EU law, to the supply of sanitary products.
	The application of VAT in the EU, including rates and flexibilities afforded to member states in this regard, is governed by EU law. It means, for example that the Government cannot apply a zero rate to female sanitary products. That would require a change to EU VAT legislation, which would require a proposal from the European Commission and the unanimous agreement of all 28 member states.

Self-employed: Scotland

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many (a) men and (b) women were registered as self-employed in (i) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency and (ii) Scotland in each of the last four years for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many people registered as self employed in (a) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency and (b) Scotland reported net income of (i) zero and (ii) below the threshold for national insurance in each of the last four years for which figures are available;
	(3)  what the (a) mean and (b) median age of people registered as self-employed was in (i) Scotland and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency in (A) 2010, (B) 2011, (C) 2012 and (D) 2013;
	(4)  how many people were registered as self-employed in (a) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency and (b) Scotland in each of the last four years for which figures are available.

David Gauke: Estimates of the numbers of individuals with self-employment sources are published in HMRC’s National Statistics table 3.10 which is available at the following internet address:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/income-of-individuals-with-self-employment-sources-2010-to-2011
	The numbers of individuals making zero profits and at other income levels is also shown in these tables.
	Tables for 2009-10 and earlier years are available from the National Archives internet site at the following address:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121102223513/http:/hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu-by-year.htm
	Overall, these show a long term trend of growth in the numbers of self-employed people.

Speeches

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the speech delivered by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in New York on 25 June 2014 represents the policy of the Government.

Danny Alexander: I recently visited the USA in my capacity as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, where I delivered speeches to audiences in New York and Washington on 23 and 25 June respectively.
	Transcripts are available on the Treasury website:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/chief-secretary-on-investing-in-the-uk
	and
	https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/chief-secretarys-speech-to-the-centre-for-transatlantic-relations

Tax Evasion

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs is taking to use powers under Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to prevent and detect tax evasion.

David Gauke: In 2013-14 a total of 348 HMRC investigations across Enforcement and Compliance were supported by the acquisition of CD for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime and assessing or collecting taxes and duties. A total of 11,103 requests were made, (the majority requesting subscriber information). In 2013-14 communications data underpinned investigations that prevented revenue loss in excess of £1 billion.

Tourism: VAT

Mark Durkan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the effect of cutting the rate of tourism VAT on the tourism balance of payments.

David Gauke: No such assessment has been made. There is no single rate of tourism VAT. The VAT rate paid on goods and services bought by tourists in the UK is exactly the same as that which applies to UK residents. This means for example, that tourists can benefit from the UK’s zero rates of VAT on certain foods, children’s clothing and certain transport. But it also means they are charged VAT on things like catering services (the supply of meals, alcohol, snacks and drinks) sold by restaurants, pubs, cafes and canteens.

Welfare State: Northern Ireland

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the current value is of all financial penalties imposed on the Northern Ireland Executive as a result of that body not implementing the Government's welfare reform policy.

Danny Alexander: I wrote to the Northern Ireland Minister for Finance and Personnel on 31 March to set out that that the Northern Ireland Executive’s funding allocations would be reduced by £13 million, £87 million and £114 million for 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Armed Conflict: Children

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions he has raised the issues of child soldiering and progress on tackling it with his counterparts in other countries in the last two years.

Mark Simmonds: Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) is an important personal priority. I am leading a campaign to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers and to protect children from becoming victims of sexual violence in five priority countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, South Sudan, Chad and Burma. Over the last two years, I have raised this issue with counterparts in Chad, Sierra Leone and DRC, as well as most recently with the Somali President and the Minister of the Interior in South Sudan during visits in April this year. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), also discussed the issue during a visit to Burma in January.
	During the recent End Sexual Violence in Conflict Summit, I hosted a ministerial roundtable on CAAC attended by UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for CAAC. Ministers from Sierra Leone, DRC and Somalia underlined their commitment to ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

Colombia

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart to support the requests for an investigation into the death of Yonni Steven Caicedo, a television cameraman in Colombia shot dead on 19 February 2014;
	(2)  if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart supporting the requests for an investigation into the murders of four FENSUAGRO trades union members shot dead on 17 May 2014 in Alto Amarradero;
	(3)  if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart that Colombia should guarantee the safety of Nubia Acosta, Nevis Niño Rodríguez and the families of El Tamarindo;
	(4)  if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart supporting the requests for an investigation into the death of Thomas Rodriguez Cantillo, a SINTRAINAGRO trades union member killed on 9 May 2014;
	(5)  if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart concerning the withdrawal on 26 May 2014, of precautionary safety measures recommended by the Inter American Court for Human Rights to protect the human rights activist Juan David Diaz.

Hugo Swire: I met representatives from six human rights organisations, including Oxfam and Christian Aid as well as Colombian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) during my visit to Bogotá last week. I also met two Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs, heads of the Colombian Government’s major human rights agencies and representatives of the Attorney-General’s office. I set out HM Government concern about the reported rise in attacks against human rights defenders and a lack of sentences for those responsible.

Egypt

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to encourage more tourists to visit Egypt.

Hugh Robertson: The decision on whether to travel to Egypt, or any other country, is for each individual to make. The purpose of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice is to help individuals make an informed decision. We advise anyone considering visiting Egypt to read the FCO Travel Advice before travelling.

Egypt

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that British expertise will be used in the building of the nuclear power station in Egypt.

Hugh Robertson: UKTI officials in Egypt are closely monitoring progress towards the building of new nuclear power stations in Egypt and will work to promote appropriate opportunities for British companies.

Egypt

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Egyptian Government on the Muslim Brotherhood.

Hugh Robertson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs discussed the Muslim Brotherhood with former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy on 14 May.

Egypt

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he had held with his Egyptian counterpart on the new parliamentary elections law in that country.

Hugh Robertson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has yet to meet his new counterpart, Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri who was sworn in on 17 June. He did raise the issue of parliamentary elections and the need for political inclusiveness with former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy on 14 May before the new law was passed.

Egypt

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the details of the new parliamentary elections law in Egypt.

Hugh Robertson: The new parliamentary elections law, enacted by the decree of former interim President Adly Mansour on 5 June, increases the number of parliamentary seats to 567, with 420 seats to be elected by single member constituencies and 120 through party lists. On 3 June, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs issued a statement urging Egypt’s leaders to ensure that the transition leads towards accountable and democratic governance, underpinned by strong and accountable institutions.

Egypt

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the committee of legislative reform in Egypt on the proposed new parliamentary elections law in that country.

Hugh Robertson: The new parliamentary elections law was enacted by decree of the former interim President Adly Mansour on 5 June. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not have direct discussions with the committee of legislative reform in Egypt.

Egypt

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he plans to make to his Egyptian counterparts on the seven year jail terms handed down to three Al-Jazeera journalists; and if he will make a statement.

Hugh Robertson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made a statement on 23 June expressing his concerns and urging the Egyptian Government to demonstrate their commitment to freedom of expression by reviewing this case as a matter of urgency.
	The Egyptian ambassador Ashraf el-Kholy was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on 23 June. FCO Political Director, Simon Gass told the Egyptian ambassador that the British Government was deeply concerned by the verdicts, and with the procedural shortcomings of the trials. The British ambassador to Egypt also raised this issue in Cairo with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 24 June. We will continue to raise this case with the Egyptian authorities.

Egypt: Libya

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his counterparts in Egypt and Libya lessening the threat along the borders of those countries caused by terrorist networks in Libya.

Hugh Robertson: The National Security Adviser visited Egypt on 10-11 June and Libya on 16 June, and discussed the situation on the Libyan-Egyptian border with the then Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy and Libyan PM Al Thinni. We will continue to discuss means to lessen the threat along Libya’s borders with the Government of Libya and those of neighbouring states.
	The UK is providing direct support to strengthen Libya’s borders. We have a Border Security Adviser embedded with the Libyan Border Security HQ, and provide four UK experts to the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM), including the Deputy Head of Mission. The UK’s Defence Advisory Training Team provides advice and training to the Libyan Ministry of Defence and institutions, including the Border Security Force.

India

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed violence against women and girls with representatives of the Indian Government; and if he will make a statement.

Hugo Swire: We are committed to working with the Indian Government and international partners to address the problems of gender-based violence, human trafficking and child exploitation and regularly discuss these issues with the Indian authorities. Our high commissioner Sir James Bevan recently met India’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, on 17 June to discuss a range of issues, including gender-based violence and the UK’s plans to host the 2014 Girls Summit aimed at tackling female genital mutilation (FGM) and early and forced marriage. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has also discussed the Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and its efforts to prevent violence against women and girls, with India’s new Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj.
	Through the Department for International Development (DFID) the UK supports measures in India’s 120 poorest districts to promote the empowerment and access to benefits and services of excluded groups. DFID India also provides support to national and state Governments in India, which includes helping girls to complete basic education and further tackling violence against women and girls.

Interception Warrants

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many interception warrants were (a) issued, (b) declined and (c) cancelled by his Department under (i) section 8(1) and (ii) section 8(4) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in the last six months for which figures are available.

Hugh Robertson: It is the long standing policy of successive Governments not to comment on matters of intelligence. I would refer the hon. Member to Section 3 of the 2013 Annual Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner, the right hon. Sir Anthony May, which was presented to Parliament pursuant of Section 58(6) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Iran

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions with the Iranian Government about the imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani.

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the arrest and imprisonment of Pastor Behnam Irani. We remain deeply concerned about the detention and treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the issue of freedom of religion with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran on 12 March.

Iran

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Iranian Govrnment on the arrest of Silas Rabbani, Karaj Farshid, Fathi Alireza, Seyydin, Mohammad Rohangir, Surush Saraie, Escander Rezale, Shahnin Lahouty and Medhei Ameruni; and if he will urge that Government to confirm that those people are healthy and safe in the location where they are and that their families be made aware of this.

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the arrests of Silas Rabbani, Karaj Farshid, Fathi Alireza, Seyydin, Mohammad Rohangir, Surush Saraie, Escander Rezale, Shahnin Lahouty and Medhei Ameruni. We remain deeply concerned about the detention and treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian Government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. The UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires raised the issue of freedom of religion with the Iranian authorities during his visit to Iran on 12 March.

Meriam Ibrahim

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make urgent representations to his counterpart in South Sudan on the reported re-arrest of Meriam Ibrahim in South Sudan.

Mark Simmonds: Meriam Ibrahim and her family were released on police bail on 26 June following their detention at Khartoum International airport on 24 June. We understand that she and her family are currently staying at the US embassy.
	We will remain closely engaged in this case and continue to call on the Government of Sudan to abide by its international obligations to uphold an individual's right to freedom of religion or belief.

Mining: Human Rights

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, columns 367-8W, on armed conflicts: minerals, which companies have joined or have applied to join the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights initiative.

Mark Simmonds: In the last two years, UK-headquartered companies Tullow Oil and Premier Oil have joined the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. An application from another company based in the UK is currently under consideration by the Steering Committee of the Voluntary Principles Initiative.

Mining: Human Rights

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, columns 367-8W, on armed conflicts: minerals, which UK companies he has met to discuss the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

Mark Simmonds: I have met the following companies to discuss the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights—Anglo American, BG Group, BP, Dana Petroleum, Dominion Energy, Ophir Energy, Perenco, Premier Oil, Rio Tinto, Shell, Soma Oil and Gas, Stellar Diamonds and Tullow Oil.

Performance Appraisal

Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of (a) disabled and (b) all other staff employed by his Department received each level of performance rating in their end of year performance assessment for 2013-14.

Hugh Robertson: The 2014 validation process for staff performance ratings is not yet complete for 2013-14.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) takes seriously its obligations to collect diversity data as required by the Equality Act 2010. Information about the diversity and makeup of our staff is listed in the FCO's Diversity and Equality Report.
	All staff have been asked to provide personal disability data to be held anonymously. We continue to encourage increased declaration by staff as current declaration rates are below the level necessary to give meaningful statistical information. I will write to the hon. Member (and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House) when the validation process is complete to answer her question.

Religious Freedom

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on which countries considers apostasy a crime and what sentence it carries.

David Lidington: The Government’s information on issues such as this comes from publicly available sources, such as the US State Department’s Annual Report on International Religious Freedom and reporting by NGOs, supplemented by information from our network of embassies and high commissions. We maintain no central list of countries that consider apostasy a crime or what penalty is imposed. We formulate our response to the situation in individual countries on a case by case basis, taking into account which course of action is most likely to have a positive effect for individuals and communities in the country concerned.
	Freedom of thought, conscience or belief, including the right of the individual to change his or her religion, is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law. We call on Governments that render apostasy a crime to uphold their international obligations on freedom of religion or belief.

Western Sahara

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 384W, on Western Sahara, if the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa will meet representatives of POLISARIO, the administering power de facto in the area east of the Berm dividing Western Sahara, to discuss security and terrorism.

Hugh Robertson: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly meet POLISARIO Front representatives to discuss Western Sahara. Officials also undertake visits to the region, and to the refugee camps at Tindouf. British Ministers do not have direct contact with the POLISARIO Front.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Agriculture: Research

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department spent on agricultural research in each financial year since 2010-11.

David Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ expenditure on agricultural research is through the UK Research Councils and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) as per the figures given below:
	
		
			 Research Council funding for agriculture research 
			 £000 
			 Council 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 
			 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council 87,200 90,200 87,900 90,800 
			 Economic and Social Research Council 2,914 2,328 3,392 3,102 
			 Natural Environment Research Council 9,100 14,800 15,600 12,600 
			 Science and Technology Facilities Council 110 140 155 140 
			 Total 99,324 107,468 107,047 106,642 
		
	
	
		
			 TSB funding for research and development in the agricultural sector 
			  £ 
			 2010/11 143,089 
			 2011/12 3,336,702 
			 2012/13 7,339,822 
			 2013/14 9,455,470

Apprentices

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what quality standards will be imposed on employers when apprenticeship funding moves directly to employers;
	(2)  what factors he took into account in deciding not to adopt a pure provider payment model in reform of apprenticeship funding.

Matthew Hancock: The 2013 consultation on apprenticeship funding reform sought evidence on the feasibility and impact of three different mechanisms for giving employers more control over the funding. Following consideration of the responses to this consultation, the pure provider payment model was ruled out on the basis that it was the least likely to deliver the intended aim of giving employers true purchasing power.
	The subsequent Technical Consultation published in March 2014 sought views on two models—a PAYE model and an apprenticeship credit model which are consistent with an employer-led apprenticeships system. We are currently evaluating the responses to this consultation and will announce which payment mechanism we plan to pursue in the autumn.
	We have established a ministerial advisory panel on apprenticeship standards, made up of experts to advise the Secretary of State on the approval or rejection of employer designed apprenticeship standards and assessment approaches.
	We will refresh the Skills Funding Agency register of approved apprenticeship training providers to ensure that only reputable providers are able to offer apprenticeship training and organisations doing so will be subject to Ofsted inspection.

Apprentices: Greater London

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships there were in London on 31 May (a) 2010 and (b) 2014.

Matthew Hancock: Information on apprenticeship starts and participation by region are published in Supplementary Tables to a Statistical First Release:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324021/apprenticeships-starts-by-geography-learner-demographics-and-sector-subject-area.xls
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/296370/Nov2013_Apprenticeships_Region_Participation.xls
	Apprenticeship data are presented by academic year. Final data for the full 2013/14 academic year will be published in November 2014.

Apprentices: Horticulture

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to fund and support businesses in the horticulture sector to take on apprentices.

Matthew Hancock: Apprenticeship reforms are addressing exactly the barriers that employers have identified to taking on apprentices.
	Trailblazers led by employers are designing the new apprenticeship standards for occupations in their sectors. Horticulture employers are fully engaged in the reform programme and the trailblazer for the sector has recently submitted a standard for approval.
	The budget announced £170 million funding to extend the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers to help smaller businesses take on young apprentices aged 16 to 24. This will fund over 100,000 incentive payments of £1,500. Extending the grant into 2015 will ensure apprenticeship take up by small businesses, including those in the horticulture sector, continues to be supported.

Asbestos

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether any buildings owned or used by his Department contain asbestos.

Jennifer Willott: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) do own and use buildings which contain asbestos.
	The reports for all buildings within the BIS core estate which contain asbestos are regularly reviewed for appropriateness and action plans to manage, update and re-inspect are implemented.

Asbestos

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether all buildings owned or used by his Department have been allotted a responsible person as a duty holder in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance.

Jennifer Willott: All buildings owned or used by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have a responsible person as a duty holder in line with the Health and Safety Executive guidance.
	As current director of estates at UKSBS, Roger Taylor is responsible for the management of all aspects of estates management on behalf of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills for the core buildings owned and/or used by them.

Asbestos

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether all buildings owned or used by his Department have been inspected to identify any asbestos materials within them.

Jennifer Willott: All buildings owned or used by Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which are in scope have been inspected for asbestos containing materials.
	Buildings which are out of scope include those managed by the landlord and those built post 2000.

Asbestos

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether staff in his Department are able to access the reports reviewing the buildings owned or used by his Department on asbestos within its buildings.

Jennifer Willott: All available information relating to the estate of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is held by the maintenance provider. This information includes reports and other information relating to asbestos in buildings.
	This is available on request to all maintenance provider contractors.
	Other interested parties such as staff, need to be directed to the maintenance provider by Property Asset Management Directorate who work for BIS.

British Business Bank

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff in Sheffield are employed at the headquarters of the British Business Bank.

Matthew Hancock: A total of 86 people are currently working on British Business Bank programmes, of which 44 work in the Sheffield headquarters. They are employed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and their employment will transfer to the British Business Bank plc once EU state aid approval has been obtained for that institution, which is expected to happen later this year.

British Irish Council

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in how many meetings of the British-Irish Council he has taken part.

Jo Swinson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has not held any meetings with the British-Irish Council within the last year

Employment Tribunals Service

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many times his Department has appeared at an employment tribunal to contest protective awards in each of the last five years.

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has not appeared before an employment tribunal to contest a protective award.
	Protective awards are determined by employment tribunals following applications made by former employees or their representatives.
	BIS is sometimes joined as a respondent in protective award claims, because under legislation, the Secretary of State guarantees the payment of protective awards made in favour of employees whose employer is insolvent, up to a certain amount.
	It is for the tribunal to establish the facts in each case, considering evidence of the actions taken by employers and their representatives, and decide whether there was adequate consultation on redundancies. BIS is not in a position to know the extent to which an employer or their representative consulted with employees and does not give evidence on that point nor take any particular position.
	BIS’ responsibility is to establish what payments are due and who is entitled to receive them. We therefore make written representations to the tribunal on points of law or to seek clarification of who is covered by a protective award. We may appeal an award, but only if we consider that the tribunal has made the judgment based on an incorrect reading of the legislation.
	The number of cases where BIS has made representations to an employment tribunal regarding protective award cases in the last five years is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

David Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what changes his Department plans to bring forward to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

Jo Swinson: For the past 10 months, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has been discussing with industry, enforcement authorities and the fire services, a proposal to bring forward changes to the match and cigarette tests in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. We believe this would bring benefits to both businesses and consumers by reducing the levels of potentially harmful flame retardant chemicals generally used to meet the requirements of the match test, while also improving fire safety. Any such changes would be subject to formal public consultation.

Green Investment Bank

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to ensure that the Green Investment Bank does not provide support to (a) the proposed Helius Bioenergy Plant at Avonmouth and (b) other biofuel projects. [R]

Michael Fallon: I have spoken to the Chief Executive of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) about the proposed plant at Avonmouth to ensure he is aware of the concerns that have been raised about it. The impacts of individual proposals for biomass power projects are subject to detailed assessment during the planning approval process and final decisions in each case are a matter for the relevant planning authority. This proposal received planning consent in March 2010. The final consent letter may be found on the DECC Energy Infrastructure webpage at
	https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/EIP/pages/projects/Avonmouth.htm
	I cannot comment on the merits of that decision.
	The Government’s position on the role of biomass power within the UK’s energy mix has been set out clearly in the UK Bioenergy Strategy (2012) which can be found on the Government’s website at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-bioenergy-strategy
	This sets out how the Government seek to ensure the benefits of bioenergy are achieved in a way that delivers genuine carbon reductions and that fuel is sourced sustainably. The extensive sustainability requirements in place for the use of biomass fuel are set out in the UK Government Response to the consultation on biomass sustainability and the Renewables Obligation (RO), published in August 2013.
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/231102/RO_Biomass_Sustainability _consultation_-_Government_Response_22_August_2013.pdf
	In considering whether to participate in financing a biomass power project, GIB must satisfy itself that the Government’s sustainability requirements are fully met.

Higher Education: Egypt

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to encourage universities in the UK to enter into partnerships and twinning arrangements with the British university in Egypt.

David Willetts: I am keen that UK universities broaden their engagement with their Egyptian counterparts in recognition of the country’s growing research strengths. The newly created UK-Egypt Newton-Mosharafa Fund presents a real opportunity to take UK-Egypt institutional engagement to another level, by investing £20 million over five years in a bilateral partnership focused on science, research, innovation and education.
	The British university Egypt will be eligible to apply for calls once the fund is launched.

Insolvency

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many times the Insolvency Service's Redundancy Payments Service has made payments of protective awards due to failures on the part of the company or administrator to conduct a proper collective consultation in each of the last five years; to which companies such awards were made; and how much was paid out in (a) statutory entitlements and (b) protective awards in each such case.

Jennifer Willott: The Insolvency Service’s Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) only makes protective award payments to employees if their employer is insolvent and an employment tribunal has determined that there was insufficient consultation, by the company, administrator or liquidator, regarding redundancies and makes a protective award.
	In the last five financial years, the RPS has paid out the following in statutory payments for cases where a protective award was awarded:
	
		
			  £ 
			 2009-10 87,209,871.62 
			 2010-11 82,604,201.50 
			 2011-12 68,181,382.07 
			 2012-13 57,267,407.27 
			 2013-14 7,937,522.34 
		
	
	The protective award payments made on these cases (in addition to the statutory payments) were as following:
	
		
			  £ 
			 2009-10 28,808,241.65 
			 2010-11 30,997,901.63 
			 2011-12 23,437,557.92 
			 2012-13 29,290,224.74 
			 2013-14 16,581,330.05 
		
	
	These figures include cases in administration and those in liquidation.
	A breakdown of the individual cases is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Insolvency

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many times the Insolvency Service's Redundancy Payments Service has made payments in cases where Deloitte was appointed the administrator in each of the last five years; how many such cases also involved payments made for protective awards; and how much was paid out for (a) statutory entitlements and (b) protective awards in each such case.

Jo Swinson: In the last five years, the Insolvency Service's Redundancy Payments Services have paid £77,233,534.54 in statutory entitlements, in 173 cases where Deloitte was appointed the administrator or liquidator.
	Of these cases, 20 cases resulted in protective award judgments totalling £6,930,864.72 paid from the national insurance fund.
	Due to the number of cases, it is not possible to disclose how much was paid in each individual case so a total has been provided instead.

Insolvency

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many outstanding protective awards to be paid by the Insolvency Service's Redundancy Payments Services are owed to firms in which less than 20 people are employed on one site.

Jennifer Willott: Under legislation, a protective award can be made where it is determined that there was insufficient consultation in situations involving 20 or more redundancies in one establishment.
	The Redundancy Payments Service makes payments, to affected employees, where an employment tribunal has made an award and the employer is insolvent.
	The Employment Appeal Tribunal, in the Woolworths case (USDAW v. WW Realisations 1 Ltd and others), decided that it should remove the European test of ‘establishment' from UK law. The Department is appealing this judgment as we do not agree with this interpretation of the law.
	We think the right interpretation of the law is that employers must consult employee representatives if making 20 or more redundancies at one establishment. In a dispute, it is for the employment tribunals to decide what is an establishment on the facts of each individual case.
	Until the Woolworths appeal is determined, employment tribunals are staying (not deciding) claims from employees who worked on sites with fewer than 20 proposed redundancies and the RPS is unable to make payments to such employees.
	Information on the number of affected cases is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

McDonalds Restaurants

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had discussions with McDonald's Corporation on its relationship with trades unions in the UK.

Jennifer Willott: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has not had such a discussion with McDonald’s Corporation.

Money Lenders

Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much he allocated to the Illegal Money Lending Unit in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last four years up to the most recent period for which figures are available.

Jennifer Willott: Since 1 April 2012 the National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) has been responsible for the Illegal Money Lending Units in England and Wales, and Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) has been responsible for the Illegal Money Lending Unit in Scotland. The NTSB and TSS decide what proportion of their total grant funding (provided by BIS) should be allocated for delivery of these functions. Before April 2012 Government directly funded all three of the Illegal Money Lending Teams.
	Following are the budgets allocated to the Illegal Money Lending teams over the last four years.
	
		
			 £ million 
			  England Wales Scotland 
			 2014/15 3.60 0.63 0.4 
			 2013/14 3.91 0.67 0.4 
			 2012/13 4.13 0.59 0.38 
			 2011/12 4.07 0.65 0.48 
			 2010/11 4.07 0.65 0.48 
		
	
	Trading Standards is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and so it is not possible to provide comparable data.

Money Lenders

Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many full-time and part-time staff were employed to work in the Illegal Money Lending Unit in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last four years up to the most recent period for which records are available.

Jennifer Willott: The numbers of full-time and part-time staff that have been employed by the Illegal Money Lending Units in Scotland, England and Wales over the last four years are as follows:
	
		
			  Full-Time Part-time (full-time equivalents) 
			 Financial years England Wales Scotland Wales 
			 2014/15 58 7 8 1.9 
			 2013/14 63 7 8 1.9 
			 2012/13 63 7 8 1.6 
			 2011/12 50 6 8 0.8 
			 2010/11 Unavailable 9 8 0.8 
		
	
	Trading Standards is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and so it is not possible to provide comparable data.

Motor Vehicles: Insurance

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will request that the Office of Fair Trading investigates the level of competition in the car insurance industry.

Jo Swinson: The competition powers of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) passed to the new Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on 1 April 2014. Like the OFT, the CMA is an independent authority, and therefore has complete discretion to investigate those cases, which, according to its prioritisation principles, it considers most appropriate.
	In the case of the private motor insurance industry, the CMA is already conducting a market investigation, and on 12 June set out for consultation its proposed changes to the market. These include a cap on the charges to the insurer of an at-fault driver in an accident for the cost of providing a replacement vehicle to the non-fault driver; better information for consumers; and a ban on price parity agreements between price comparison websites and insurers. Further details are available via this link to the CMA press release:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-sets-out-changes-for-private-motor-insurance

National Vocational Qualifications

Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the public purse was of NVQ qualifications for learners aged 24 and over of (a) entry level, (b) level 1 (excluding English or mathematics) and (c) level 2 for each of the last three years.

Matthew Hancock: The funding available for adult skills is outlined in the Skills Funding Statement. The statement sets out the Government’s priorities for the budget and it is for providers to decide how they use their adult skills funding to reflect those priorities and meet the needs of learners and employers in their local area:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-funding-statement-2013-to-2016
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-funding-statement-2012-2015
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-investment-statement-for-2011-to-2014-new-challenges-new-chances

New Businesses: Government Assistance

Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many start-up loans have been granted to businesses in (a) Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency, (b) North Yorkshire and (c) the North of England in each of the last five years.

Matthew Hancock: The start-up loans programme commenced in 2012.
	The information is as follows:
	
		
			  Harrogate and Knaresborough North Yorkshire North of England1 
			  Loan volume Value of loans (£ million) Loan volume Value of loans £ million) Loan volume Value of loans (£ million) 
			 2012 0 0 4 0.01 54 0.23 
			 2013 52 0.31 414 2.26 2,993 16.55 
			 2014 to date 92 0.53 629 3.29 5,108 26.55 
			 1 North England comprises of values for north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Humber. Note: All values are loans drawn down.

NHS: Mergers

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much the (a) Competition Commission and (b) Office of Fair Trading spent on assessing mergers in the NHS in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14.

Jo Swinson: The Competition Commission's (CC's) inquiry into the proposed merger between Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Foundation Trust and Poole Hospital Foundation Trust, which was concluded in 2013/14, was the Commission's only assessment of an NHS foundation trust merger. The cost of this inquiry was £710,000, which includes the cost of the staff on the inquiry amounting to £639,000 and direct costs of £71,000 (including survey costs).
	The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) did not collect specific information on the resources used in considering mergers involving NHS foundation trusts. However, the average approximate cost involved in scrutiny of a merger by the OFT was £20,000; in total, the OFT considered four mergers involving NHS foundation trusts in 2012-13 and 2013-14, of which only one was referred for further scrutiny by the CC.

Overseas Students

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to tackle the decline in the number of international students coming to the UK to study; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: As highlighted in the International Education Strategy, there is no cap on the number of genuine overseas students who can come to the UK, nor do we have plans to introduce one. This has been reaffirmed by the Prime Minister.
	Government and the sector are taking every opportunity to promote the warm welcome the UK extends to international students, notably using the “Britain is GREAT” campaign. For example, the high commission in Delhi began work last year (with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK Trade and Investment and the British Council) to promote positive messages on UK education at outreach events, exhibitions and road shows in some of India’s biggest cities.
	Early indicators for 2014 show there was an increase in the year to March 2014 in the number of visa applicants for higher education institutions (+7%). UCAS figures, to May 2014, for undergraduate applications suggest a 7% increase from non-EU countries.

Paternity Pay

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people received statutory paternity pay in the latest year for which figures are available; what the total cost to the Exchequer of such pay was; and for what average length of time such pay was received.

Jennifer Willott: The Government collect data on the total amount of ordinary statutory paternity pay and additional statutory paternity pay paid to employees by employers and uses this to estimate the numbers taking paternity pay, and the size of the average claim. Ordinary statutory paternity pay and additional statutory paternity pay are payable at the lesser of 90% of salary or the statutory flat rate (£135.45 in 2012/13, currently £138.18).
	The latest available figures are as follows:
	
		
			 2012/13 Number of claimants Total claimed (£ million) Average claim (£) 
			 Ordinary Statutory Paternity Pay 209,223 50.5 241.50 
			 Additional Statutory Paternity Pay 4,733 7.2 1,529 
			 Note: All figures are estimates using the HMRC CANDIF database. Figures are calculated using a 3% scan of employer national insurance returns and scaling the results up to create a 100% estimate. Scan conducted in June 2014. 
		
	
	HMRC estimates do not include the average length of time that this pay is received.

Postal Services: Rural Areas

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to ensure that the six-days-a-week universal Royal Mail service continues in rural areas.

Jennifer Willott: The one price six-days-a-week postal delivery service to all addresses in the UK is clearly set down under the Postal Services Act 2011 as part of the minimum requirements of the UK’s universal service and can only be changed by Government with the approval of both Houses of Parliament. The protection is exactly the same for rural areas as urban areas of the UK.
	Parliament has given Ofcom the primary statutory duty to protect the ongoing provision of the universal service throughout the country and ensured that Ofcom has the regulatory powers and tools it needs to intervene if the universal service is ever at risk. More information about the regulatory framework for postal services can be found on Ofcom’s website:
	www.ofcom.org.uk

Public Houses

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to consult family and micro-brewery pub owners on the proposed mandatory code of practice.

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills consulted family brewers and micro-brewers as part of last year’s public consultation on proposals for a Statutory Code and independent Adjudicator for the pubs sector.
	We received 34 written responses to the consultation from pub companies and breweries with fewer than 500 pubs, and from micro-breweries. In addition to this, Ministers and officials met with family and micro-brewers and their representative bodies before, during and after the consultation to discuss our proposals to establish a Statutory Code and independent Adjudicator.
	For further information on stakeholders that Ministers have met, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff Central (Jenny Willott) gave to the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Toby Perkins) on 16 June 2014, Official Report, column 426W.
	The Department will continue to take an even handed approach to discussions with stakeholders from all sides of the debate as legislation proceeds through Parliament. Stakeholders, including family and micro-brewers, will also be given a further opportunity to comment on the Statutory Code through a further consultation once legislation is in place.

Research Councils: Finance

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) capital and (b) revenue funding his Department has allocated to research (i) projects and (ii) facilities, excluding quality-related research funding distributed via the funding councils and awards made by the research councils, in each financial year from 2010-11; to which organisations and for what period such allocations have been made; how the outcomes of such funding will be assessed; and which organisations will undertake those assessments.

David Willetts: The BIS funding for research (i) projects and (ii) facilities that has been allocated in the financial years since 2010-11 is set out in the table below. There is no capital funding of research projects or resource funding of research facilities.
	Research is taken to mean funding for projects at similar technology readiness levels (TRL) to those managed by research councils. As a result, this does not include the research and development funding that is provided through the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) which is targeted at products, materials and techniques at the higher TRL levels. Details of this funding can be found in the TSB and BIS annual reports.
	
		
			   £ million  
			   2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Item 
			 (a) Capital research funding       
			 (ii) Facilities National Measurement Office (NMO) 6.2 7.4 9.2 8.1 A 
			  Gaster Wind Tunnel 0 0 0 0.7 B 
			        
			 (b) Resource research funding       
			 (i) Projects NMO—National Physical Laboratory 49.2 46.1 46.6 47.3 A 
			  NMO—Other 5.1 8.5 8.3 8.1 A 
			  Foresight Programme 2.4 2.0 2.2 1.8 C 
		
	
	
		
			  UK-US Global Innovation Initiative 0 0 0 0.7 D 
			  Commonwealth Scholarships 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 E 
			  UK-SA Science Seminars 0 0 0 0.1 F 
			  Public Attitudes to Science 2014 Report 0 0 0 0.4 G 
			  STEM Interventions Report 0 0 0 0.1 H 
			 Note: The assessments of the outcomes of the research funding will be the responsibility of the organisations that have been funded in each case, as set out below. A National Measurement Office B Aerospace Technology Institute C Government Office for Science D British Council E Commonwealth Scholarship Commission F Royal Society G Ipsos MORI H University of London.

Trade Union Recognition

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of companies registered in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK that do not recognise trades unions.

Jennifer Willott: This Department does not hold information on whether or not individual employers recognise a trade union or not.
	You may be interested in the following figures, from the 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Study (WERS), showing percentage of workplaces with recognised unions where the workplace is located in Scotland, the other Government office regions and Great Britain as a whole. This does not include information on Northern Ireland workplaces where employment law is devolved.
	
		
			 Government office region Percentage of workplaces with recognised unions (%) 
			 North East 38 
			 North West 21 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 34 
			 East Midlands 31 
			 West Midlands 23 
			 East of England 16 
			 London 16 
			 South East 10 
			 South West 13 
			 Wales 31 
			 Scotland 30 
			 Great Britain 22 
		
	
	More information on the WERS data is available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/workplace-employment-relations-study-wers

HEALTH

Abortion

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether all clinical staff working at abortion clinics are trained to level 3 of the intercollegiate framework; and if he will publish the evidence upon which that assessment is based.

Jane Ellison: All clinical staff are expected to be trained to at least level 3 of the intercollegiate framework Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and competences for healthcare staff. The senior manager or director of the clinic should be responsible for ensuring that all clinical staff have their qualifications, knowledge and skills reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they are kept up to date with current practice.
	The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC's) inspection approach includes checks on whether abortion providers have at all times sufficient numbers of suitably trained and suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff to safeguard the safety and welfare of service users. This includes making sure that there is a named safeguarding lead and that the provider has taken account of statutory guidance as set out in the intercollegiate framework. The CQC has begun to roll out a new, stronger methodology. As part of this, the arrangements for safeguarding will always be inspected.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions conducted on the grounds of disabilities which were rectifiable were performed after 24 weeks' gestation in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013; what each disability was in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: Medical conditions are coded using the International Classification for Diseases 2010 codes (ICD10). This classification does not split those diseases that are rectifiable from those that are not.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions were performed with respect to pregnancies with gestations of 24 weeks or more in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013.

Jane Ellison: The number of abortions of 24 weeks or more for the years 2011-13 are as follows:
	
		
			 Abortions for gestation of 24 weeks and over, residents of England and Wales 
			  Number of abortions where gestation has exceeded its 24thweek 
			 2011 146 
			 2012 160 
			 2013 190

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women in each strategic authority area in England and Wales who had had (a) one, (b) two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) five, (f) six, (g) seven, (h) eight, (i) nine and (j) 10 or more previous abortions had a further abortion in 2013.

Jane Ellison: The following table shows abortions by number of previous abortions and region of residence, 2013:
	
		
			  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 3,984 1,080 245 70 13 6 5 3 
			 North West 6,520 1,662 375 86 26 14 9 3 
			 North East 1,723 443 104 34 9 4 0 1 
			 West Midlands 5,245 1,593 375 105 23 8 1 7 
			 East Midlands 2,722 711 186 50 8 4 1 1 
			 East 4,222 1,207 313 77 28 10 1 3 
			 London 13,234 4,272 1,159 397 115 47 16 20 
			 South East 6,532 1,792 433 94 28 12 1 7 
			 South West 3,189 801 151 53 8 3 2 4 
			 Wales 2,172 505 116 29 6 0 2 0 
		
	
	The use of strategic health authorities was abolished in April 2013. Information is presented by local authority region.
	The number of abortions for women who have had eight or more previous abortions have been grouped to protect patient confidentiality.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions were performed in 2013; and how many and what proportion of such procedures were performed to save the life of the mother.

Jane Ellison: In 2013, 185,331 abortions were performed to residents of England and Wales. Of these, 56 abortions were performed under ground A (the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, section 1(1 )(c)) and zero under ground F (to save the life of the pregnant woman, section 1(4)).

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions there were at (a) 26 weeks and (b) each week after the 26th week in each category of grounds for termination in 2013.

Jane Ellison: The total number of abortions exceeding 26 weeks in 2013 are as follows:
	
		
			 Abortions by gestation 26 weeks and over, residents of England and Wales, 2013 
			 Gestation Total 
			 26 16 
			 27 18 
			 28 13 
			 29 7 
			 30 15 
			 31 7 
			 32 11 
			 33 11 
			 34 4 
			 35 7 
			 36 6 
			 37 2 
			 38 3 
			 39 1 
			 Total 121 
		
	
	All 121 abortions were performed under ground E, there is substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped (section 1(1)(d)).

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women aged (a) between 18 and 24 years and (b) between 25 and 30 years old in each strategic health authority area who had (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four, (v) five, (vi) six, (vii) seven, (viii) eight, (ix) nine and (x) 10 or more previous abortions had a further abortion in 2013.

Jane Ellison: The following table shows abortions for age groups 18 to 24 and 25 to 29, by number of previous abortions and region of residence, 2013.
	
		
			  One Two Three Four Five Six Seven or more 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber        
			 18 to 24 1,494 334 55 7 2 0 0 
			 25 to 29 1,051 347 84 23 2 3 0 
			         
			 North West        
			 18 to 24 2,387 466 68 15 3 1 2 
			 25 to 29 1,884 529 129 22 12 4 3 
			         
			 North East        
			 18 to 24 634 105 28 6 0 1 0 
			 25 to 29 474 167 32 10 4 1 0 
			         
			 East Midlands        
			 18 to 24 953 175 33 5 0 1 1 
			 25 to 29 732 232 65 18 4 1 0 
			         
			 West Midlands        
			 18 to 24 1,957 447 97 21 2 3 0 
			 25 to 29 1,427 476 115 41 7 2 1 
			         
			 East        
			 18 to 24 1,398 312 61 9 3 1 0 
		
	
	
		
			 25 to 29 1,118 359 100 23 9 3 0 
			         
			 London        
			 18 to 24 3,948 1,025 239 70 16 6 1 
			 25 to 29 3,648 1,247 355 124 33 12 8 
			         
			 South East        
			 18 to 24 2,164 445 83 16 2 1 0 
			 25 to 29 1,715 504 134 31 8 3 3 
			         
			 South West        
			 18 to 24 1,148 199 31 10 0 1 0 
			 25 to 29 803 245 43 18 0 0 2 
			         
			 Wales        
			 18 to 24 763 121 21 6 1 0 1 
			 25 to 29 604 174 32 9 3 0 0 
			 Notes: 1. The use of strategic health authorities was abolished in April 2013. Information is presented by local authority region. 2. The number of abortions for women who have had seven or more previous abortions have been grouped to protect patient confidentiality. 3. Numbers for 25 to 29-year-olds are presented in line with published data. This allows the number of previous abortions to be presented individually for up to seven or more previous abortions without the need for further grouping.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions were performed in clinics and hospitals (a) owned and (b) leased by Marie Stopes International in each region and constituent part of the UK in each of the last three years; what the (i) age and (ii) nationality of each such patient was; what the length of gestation was in each case; how many complaints his Department received about Marie Stopes International in that period; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: This information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women aged (a) 18, (b) 17, (c) 16, (d) 15, (e) 14, (f) 13 and (g) 12 years old in each strategic health authority area who had had (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four, (v) five, (vi) six, (vii) seven, (viii) eight, (ix) nine and (x) 10 or more previous abortions had a further abortion in 2013.

Jane Ellison: The following table shows abortions for ages 18 and under by number of previous abortions and region of residence, 2013.
	
		
			  One Two or more 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 2 0 
			 15 7 0 
			 16 23 0 
			 17 50 4 
			 18 78 7 
			    
			 North West   
			 Under 14 1 0 
		
	
	
		
			 14 3 0 
			 15 8 1 
			 16 18 1 
			 17 63 3 
			 18 154 9 
			    
			 North East   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 1 0 
			 15 1 0 
			 16 8 0 
			 17 20 0 
			 18 45 3 
			    
			 West Midlands   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 3 0 
			 15 4 0 
			 16 20 4 
			 17 66 6 
			 18 131 12 
			    
			 East Midlands   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 2 0 
			 15 1 0 
			 16 12 0 
			 17 27 3 
			 18 47 8 
			    
			 East   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 3 1 
			 15 3 1 
			 16 13 0 
			 17 48 3 
			 18 88 10 
			    
			 London   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 1 0 
			 15 7 2 
			 16 40 7 
			 17 113 8 
			 18 236 37 
			    
			 South East   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 1 0 
			 15 4 0 
			 16 26 0 
			 17 59 9 
			 18 138 11 
			    
			 South West   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 0 0 
			 15 4 0 
			 16 12 1 
			 17 26 2 
		
	
	
		
			 18 70 5 
			    
			 Wales   
			 Under 14 0 0 
			 14 2 0 
			 15 5 0 
			 16 3 2 
			 17 20 0 
			 18 34 1 
		
	
	Strategic health authorities were abolished in April 2013. Information is presented by local authority region.
	The number of abortions for women who have had two or more previous abortions have been grouped to protect patient confidentiality.

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the cost to the NHS was of provision of abortions in (a) NHS hospitals and (b) approved independent sector places in 2013;
	(2)  what the cost to the NHS was of abortions performed (a) before the 12th week of pregnancy, (b) between the 12th and 18th weeks of pregnancy, (c) between the 18th and 24th weeks of pregnancy and (d) after the 24th week of pregnancy in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and what the cost to the NHS was of provision of the morning-after pill in that time.

Jane Ellison: Information on the cost of emergency contraception and information about expenditure on abortions is not collected centrally.

Accident and Emergency Departments

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) mean and (b) median duration to assessment, duration to treatment and duration to departure was in (i) type 1 and (ii) all accident and emergency departments in each month in each of the last five years.

Jane Ellison: The information has been placed in the Library.

Ambulance Services

Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the Government spend per head of population on ambulance services in (a) Nottinghamshire, (b) the east midlands and (c) England in each of the last three years.

Jane Ellison: No estimate of the Government spend per head of population on ambulance services in Nottinghamshire, the east midlands and England in each of the last three years will be made.
	Commissioning of urgent and emergency care, and therefore the amount of funding allocated, is the responsibility of clinical commissioning groups—this includes ambulance service provision for their local populations.
	Nationally, the ambulance service is performing well—arriving on scene in under eight minutes in more than 75% of the most life-threatening cases, but there are still some areas where improvements can be made.
	Latest monthly figures for April 2014 show the ambulance service did not meet the Red 2 response time standard:
	Category A8 Red 1 performance was 75.2% (above the 75% standard)
	Category A8 Red 2 performance was 73.6% (below the 75% standard)
	Category A19 performance was 95.8% (above the 95% standard)
	Full year figures (April 2013 to March 2014) show the ambulance service nationally achieved two of the response time standards:
	Category A8 Red 1 performance was 75.6% (above the 75% standard)
	Category A8 Red 2 performance was 74.8% (below the 75% standard)
	Category A19 performance was 96.1% (above the 95% standard)
	The Urgent and Emergency Care Review, led by Sir Bruce Keogh, is currently considering whole system change to the delivery of urgent and emergency care, including new models of delivery of care for ambulance services.
	The first phase of the review was published last November. We expect NHS England to be publishing further reports later this year.

Arthritis

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of how much arthritis has cost the UK economy in each year since 2010.

Norman Lamb: No estimate has been made of the annual cost of arthritis to the United Kingdom in each year since 2010.

Autism

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many local authorities have a named autism lead;
	(2)  when he expects his Department's statutory guidance for autism to be published for consultation.

Norman Lamb: The Department commissions Public Health England to carry out an annual national autism self-assessment exercise. As part of the latest exercise, which reported on progress by the end of September 2013, across all 152 local authority areas in England, 151 areas said that they have a named joint commissioner/senior manager responsible for services for adults with autism. This exercise will next be carried out towards the end of 2014.
	The Department intends to publish draft statutory guidance for consultation to support ‘Think Autism’, the update to the 2010 Adult Autism Strategy for England, in August.

Autism

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to ensure that regulations and guidance under the Care Act 2014 are compatible with the Autism Act 2009 and existing autism strategies and autism statutory guidance;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Care Act 2014 part I regulations are compatible with the revised Adult Autism Strategy (a) in general and (b) in relation to autism training for community care assessors.

Norman Lamb: The core principles of the Care Act 2014 and the regulations and statutory guidance which support its implementation are to maintain the well-being of people who have care and support needs; support them in living independent lives; and ensure there is a vibrant market to offer choice on how their needs might be met. These enhance the areas of action set out in the 2010 Autism Strategy and reaffirmed recently in Think Autism.
	The Act will require local authorities to ensure all assessors are appropriately trained to carry out assessments. This builds on the statutory guidance Implementing Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives which followed the 2010 Adult Autism Strategy for England, and which required autism awareness training to be available to all staff working in health and social care and specialist training for those in key roles that have a direct impact on access to services for adults with autism.
	Due to the complexities of assessing people who are deafblind, regulations under the Act will require their assessments to be carried out by a specialist assessor. One of the questions in the consultation document is whether specialist assessors should be required to carry out the assessment of people with other conditions, such as autism, and to explain why this should be the case. Based on the evidence we receive through the consultation we will consider if this requirement should be extended to other conditions.
	The draft regulations and guidance were co-produced with stakeholders, and this included engaging with the National Autistic Society. The public consultation runs until 15 August 2014.

Autism

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many services for adults with autism are commissioned under the payments by results framework.

Norman Lamb: National tariff prices are published primarily for acute care, and relate to procedure undertaken, not the diagnosis of the patient receiving the treatment. Information is not collected on the number of services within the scope of the national tariff that have been provided to adults with autism.

Autism

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the proposed changes to the social care system in the Care Act 2014 part 1 regulations on adults with autism;
	(2)  how many adults with autism in England receive support under the current social care system; and how many such adults will receive support under the system proposed in the Care Act 2014 part 1 regulations.

Norman Lamb: The Care Act 2014 will reform the care and support system for everyone, including adults with autism. The core principles of the Care Act 2014 and the regulations and statutory guidance which support its implementation are to maintain the well-being of people who have care and support needs and support them in living independent lives.
	The draft regulations and guidance were co-produced with stakeholders, and this included engaging with the National Autistic Society. The Department is currently consulting on the regulations and statutory guidance that will support the implementation of the Care Act 2014. The public consultation started on 6 June and runs until 15 August 2014.
	The Health and Social Care Information Centre does not collect any data on the number of adults with autism receiving support under the current, or proposed, social care systems and therefore is unable to provide a response. The national eligibility criteria being introduced under the Care Act 2014 will allow local authorities to maintain levels of access for service users when they move from the current framework to the new care and support system in April 2015.

Barrett’s Oesophagus

Mike Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to provide early diagnosis and treatment for patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Jane Ellison: Our Be Clear on Cancer campaigns aim to raise awareness of the possible symptoms of cancer and to prompt people with the relevant symptoms to present to their general practitioner (GP). Following a local pilot which ran from April to July 2012, we ran a regional Be Clear on Cancer pilot campaign in February and March 2014, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of oesophago-gastric cancer in the north east and north Cumbria. This early diagnosis campaign also aimed to identify patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer.
	The campaign included television, radio, press and outdoor advertising. The findings of this pilot will be evaluated by Public Health England (PHE), which works closely with the Department and NHS England to ensure that health care professionals are targeted with campaign information to encourage earlier diagnoses and referrals, before a decision is taken on whether to roll out the campaign nationally.
	Alongside supporting PHE to increase symptom awareness among the general population, NHS England are also working to increase cancer symptom awareness among health care professionals, and to provide support to GPs in early diagnosis of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. In 2013-14, NHS England made £2.3 million available to support improved symptom awareness and early diagnosis.

Cannabis

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications have been made to the (a) National Institute for Health Research and (b) Medical Research Council for funding to research medicinal cannabis products since 2010; and how many such applications have been accepted.

Daniel Poulter: Cannabis is naturally occurring plant and a Class B controlled drug; one of the main active chemicals in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is not a medicinal product and is not licensed as a medicine in the United Kingdom and the Government have no plans to legalise raw cannabis for medicinal purposes, as cannabis has a number of acute and chronic health effects, such the possibility of developing mental health problems or harming the lungs when smoked.
	Since 2010 two applications for research funding into medicinal cannabis have been made to National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research programmes. Of these one, within the Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme, has been accepted.
	The NIHR also provides support and facilities for research by funding a range of infrastructure facilities. Since 2010 seven projects related to medicinal cannabis have been supported through the NIHR infrastructure; however, it is not possible to ascertain the number of applications received as the Department, and our managing agent, does not record this information.
	Between April 2010 and March 2014 the Medical Research Council received four applications for funding for research that related to the medicinal cannabis products. Of these four applications, two were successful.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what mechanisms are in place to ensure that those clinical commissioning groups providing financial support to a neighbouring clinical commissioning group does not suffer a reduction in its own provision of services as a result;
	(2)  how many clinical commissioning groups are running financial deficits requiring financial support from neighbouring clinical commissioning groups;
	(3)  what (a) interest rate and (b) repayment plans a clinical commissioning group is allowed to set when providing financial support to a neighbouring clinical commissioning group.

Daniel Poulter: NHS England has responsibility for clinical commissioning group (CCG) funding.
	We are informed by NHS England that there is no provision for financial support between CCGs, and therefore no regime for repayment and/or interest.
	CCGs are expected to live within the resources allocated to them, but in rare cases where this is not possible, and subject to detailed assurance by NHS England area teams, a deficit plan is agreed and centrally funded. CCGs are expected to repay such funding over an agreed time scale in accordance with an approved recovery plan. The same applies if a CCG with a planned surplus records a deficit in year.
	In some cases, neighbouring CCGs have opted to enter into risk sharing or investment pooling arrangements, for example, in the context of shared commissioning arrangements or to facilitate wider health economy transformation programmes. The precise arrangements for such risk sharing are a matter for local determination by the governing bodies concerned, and they would be expected to ensure that these agreements were transparently documented and did not impact adversely on patient services.

Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to prevent the detention of patients with mental health illnesses who have not received a full medical assessment.

Norman Lamb: The Mental Health Act 1983 sets out strict criteria which have to be satisfied before a person can be detained for assessment (under section 2) or treatment (under section 3) for mental disorder. Hospital managers can only detain a person under section 2 or section 3 of that Act if an application by an approved mental health professional (AMHP) is supported by two medical recommendations. One of those recommendations must come from a doctor who is approved under section 12 of the Act as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder.
	The doctors must confirm that they have examined the patient when they make their recommendation. The AMHP has to confirm that they have seen the patient within the 14-day period ending with the date of the application.
	Deprivation of liberty safeguards apply when people with either physical or mental health conditions lack the capacity specifically to consent to treatment or care either in a hospital or care home. To legally authorise a deprivation of liberty in a hospital or care home, there have to be six assessments including a mental capacity assessment, a mental health assessment and a best interests assessment.

Family Practitioner Services

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion and how much of the NHS budget has been spent on general practice in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) collects data on the total expenditure on general practice, both including and excluding the cost of dispensed drugs. The latest available data are from 2012-13, and the earliest available data are from 2003-04.
	General practice spend as a proportion of the national health service budget is taken using the total departmental expenditure limits from the Department of Health Annual Report 2012-13. The latest available data are from 2012-13, and the earliest available data are from 2007-08. Substantial changes in methodology for calculating total NHS expenditure before 2007-08 mean directly comparable figures cannot be provided beyond this year to allow for like-for-like comparisons of the proportion of NHS budget spent on general practice.
	
		
			 Total spend on general practice, 2003-04 to 2012-13 (£ million) 
			  Total spend Total net of dispensing 
			 2003-04 5,811 5,006 
			 2004-05 6,914 6,061 
			 2005-06 7,747 6,864 
			 2006-07 7,757 6,943 
			 2007-08 7,867 7,053 
			 2008-09 7,961 7,145 
			 2009-10 8,321 7,514 
			 2010-11 8,350 7,543 
			 2011-12 8,397 7,607 
		
	
	
		
			 2012-13 8,459 7,690 
			 Source: HSCIC ‘Investment in General Practice’ (2008-09 to 2012-13) and HSCIC ‘Investment in General Practice’ (2003-04 to 2009-10) 
		
	
	
		
			 General practice spend as proportion of NHS budget, 2007-08 to 2012-13 (percentage) 
			  General practice spend as proportion of NHS Budget 
			 2007-08 9.31 
			 2008-09 8.74 
			 2009-10 8.45 
			 2010-11 8.32 
			 2011-12 8.16 
			 2012-13 8.04 
			 Source: HSCIC ‘Investment in General Practice’ (2008-09 to 2012-13), HSCIC ‘Investment in General Practice’ (2003-04 to 2009-10) and Department of Health ‘Annual Report and Accounts’ (2012-13).

Family Practitioner Services

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner surgeries are open seven days a week; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: Data are not held centrally on how many general practices are open seven days a week.
	However, the Government recognise the importance of timely access to general practice. This is why the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund has allocated £50 million to support 20 pilots to test innovative ways of improving access to general practitioner services and patient experience in their local areas. The pilots will benefit over 7.5 million patients across more than 1,110 practices, from rural areas to inner cities.
	A wide variety of approaches to improving access are being tested: extended opening hours on weekdays and weekends; better use of telecare and health apps; more innovative ways to access services by Skype, e-mail or phone; and more integrated services with a single point of contact to co-ordinate patients services across health and social care.
	Learning and best practice from the pilots will be shared with the wider NHS during the course of the pilot programme.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average annual salary of a general practitioner was in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The requested information is contained in the following table. When interpreting the figures, it is important to note that the nature of general practitioner (GP) contracts and their work has changed over time. Since the start of the new General Medical Services contract in 2004-05, there have been some major changes to income, workstreams and investment in general practice.
	The table is presented in cash terms of income before tax of contractor GPs across all contract types. This excludes expenses. Taxable income before pension contributions are deducted, made up of gross earnings less total expenses, also known as net income.
	
		
			 Contractor GPs: mean average income before tax in cash terms 
			 Income by contract type (£) 
			  General Medical Services Personal Medical Services GPMS (combined GMS and PMS) 
			 1997-981,2 51,623 — — 
			 1998-993 51,455 — — 
			 1999-2000 57,620 — — 
			 2000-01 64,040 — — 
			 2001-02 66,114 — — 
			 2002-03 69,771 — — 
			 2003-04 GB 77,597 — — 
			 2003-04 UK 77,152 — — 
			 2004-054,5,6 96,322 110,164 100,170 
			 2005-06 106,312 120,272 110,004 
			 2006-077 103,530 118,499 107,667 
			 2007-08 100,324 116,059 106,072 
			 2008-098 99,200 116,300 105,300 
			 2009-10 100,400 115,300 105,700 
			 2010-11 99,000 113,400 104,100 
			 2011-12 98,300 111,600 103,000 
			 1 There was no inquiry in 1997, due to the change to self-assessment of tax liability. Income tax for the self-employed changed from assessment on prior year earnings to current year earnings. Estimates of earnings and expenses were therefore taken together in 1995-96 and 1996-97. 2 The Inland Revenue changed the treatment of capital allowances in calculating tax liability for 1996-97 as part of the move from tax assessment based on prior year earnings to current year earnings. Figures relating to years between 1995-96 and 1997-98 have been adjusted to put them on a comparable basis with previous years. 3 Figures from 1998-99 onwards are not adjusted in respect of the changed treatment of capital allowances in calculating tax liability in 1996-97. Therefore they are not on a comparable basis with previous years. 4 From 2004-05 onwards, results are at UK (England, Scotland Wales, Northern Ireland) level. Prior to this, they were published at GB (England, Scotland, Wales) level. 2003-04 results are given at both GB and UK level to illustrate the small effect of this transition on the figures in that year. 5 The first wave of PMS pilots started in April 1998 beginning a downward trend in the numbers of GMS GPs, and corresponding upward trend in PMS GPs. 6 Data from 2004-05 onwards exclude an estimate of employer’s superannuation contributions for the tax year, to make the figures comparable with previous years. 7 Due to a data quality issue regarding the GMS/PMS markers in 2006-07 comparisons of income and expenses between contracts in this year should be made with a degree of caution. 8 Figures from 2008-09 onwards are rounded to the nearest £100 9 Data are for Contractor GPs only. Notes: 1. Information from the Health and Social Care Information Centre GP Earnings and Expenses Report 2011-12 tables 36, 37 and 38 which also include real term equivalent amounts, expenses and gross earnings. 2. Definitions: General Medical Services (GMS): A GMS practice is one that has a standard, nationally negotiated contract. Within this, there is some local flexibility for GPs to ‘opt out' of certain services or ‘opt in' to the provision of other services. Personal Medical Services (PMS): The PMS contract was introduced in 1998 in England and Scotland (as in the Section 17c agreement) as a local alternative to the national GMS contract. PMS contracts are voluntary, locally negotiated contracts between PCOs and the PMS Provider, enabling, for example, flexible provision of services in accordance with specific local circumstances. New GMS contract (nGMS): The new General Medical Service contract was designed to improve the way that Primary Medical Care services (GMS, PMS, APMS and PCTMS) were funded and to allow practices greater flexibility to determine the range of services they wish to provide, including through opting out of additional services and out-of-hours care. The nGMS contract was fully in place in 2004-05. 3. GPMS: GPMS results are those of GMS and PMS GPs put together. 4. Income before tax: Taxable income before pension contributions are deducted, made up of gross earnings less total expenses, also known as net income.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average age of a general practitioner was in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The requested information is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Total general practitioner (GPs) (excluding retainers and registrars) Average age of GPs (excluding retainers and registrars) 
			 1999 28,467 45.1 
			 2000 28,593 45.5 
			 2001 28,802 45.7 
			 2002 29,202 45.8 
			 2003 30,358 45.9 
			 2004 31,523 46.0 
			 2005 32,738 46.2 
			 2006 33,091 46.3 
			 2007 33,364 46.4 
			 2008 34,010 46.7 
			 2009 35,917 46.5 
			 20101 35,120 46.6 
			 20111 35,415 46.7 
			 20121 35,527 46.7 
			 20131 35,561 46.6 
			 1 The new headcount methodology is not fully comparable with data for years prior to 2010, due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Headcount totals are unlikely to equal the sum of components. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the Census publication. Note: GP data as at 30 September for each year except in 1999 when GP figures as at 1 October.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the number of general practitioners per 1,000 head of population was in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The requested information is contained in the following table.
	
		
			 General practitioners (GPs) per head of population in England 1999-2013 
			  All GPs-hadcount1 Per 1,000 head of population-headcount All GPs-full time equivalent1 Per 1,000 head of population-full time equivalent 
			 1999 30,959 0.634 28,354 0.581 
		
	
	
		
			 2000 31,369 0.640 28,544 0.582 
			 2001 31,835 0.647 28,854 0.586 
			 2002 32,292 0.653 29,155 0.590 
			 2003 33,564 0.676 30,084 0.606 
			 2004 34,855 0.698 31,021 0.621 
			 2005 35,944 0.716 31,901 0.636 
			 2006 36,008 0.712 33,384 0.660 
			 2007 36,420 0.715 33,731 0.662 
			 2008 37,720 0.734 34,043 0.663 
			 2009 40,269 0.777 36,085 0.696 
			 20102 39,409 0.755 35,243 0.675 
			 20112 39,780 0.756 35,319 0.671 
			 20122 40,265 0.758 35,871 0.675 
			 20132 40,236 0.752 36,294 0.678 
			 1 All GPs includes GP providers, salaried/other GPs, GP Registrars (trainers) and GP retainers. 2 The new headcount methodology is not fully comparable with data for years prior to 2010, due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Headcount totals are unlikely to equal the sum of components. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the Census publication. Notes: 1. GP data as at 30 September for each year except in 1999 when GP figures as at 1 October. 2. Office for National Statistics mid-year population estimates used are the latest available at the time of the relevant GP Census, and are always a year behind the GP figures. So 2013 GP figures use mid-year 2012 population estimates, 2012 GP figures use mid-year 2011 population estimates etc. Sources: The Health and Social Care Information Centre General and Personal Medical Services Statistics Office for National Statistics: Mid-Year Population Estimates

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average weekly hours worked by each full-time general practitioner was in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The requested information is not collected centrally.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to introduce charges for general practitioner appointments; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: The Government believe that the national health service should be free at the point of use and there are no plans to introduce charges for general practitioner appointments.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to improve the service provided by general practitioners; and if he will make a statement.

Daniel Poulter: The Department has recently set out its ambitions for primary care in publishing Transforming Primary Care. A copy has been placed in the Library. The changes to the general practitioner (GP) contract for this year will help ensure that patients aged over 75 and those with the most complex needs receive more personalised and proactive care.
	The Government has also invested £50 million, through the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, to develop new ways of improving access to GP services.
	The Department has recognised the need to increase the GP work force and between September 2010 and September 2013, the number of full-time equivalent GPs has risen by 1,051. Additionally, the Department has included in the Health Education England (HEE) mandate a requirement that
	“HEE will ensure that 50% of trainees completing foundation level training enter GP training programmes by 2016”.

General Practitioners

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average number of daily patient consultations per general practitioner was in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: Data are not held centrally on the average number of daily patient consultations per general practitioner (GP) for each of the last 15 years.
	However, some information about trends in consultation rates in general practice was published in 2009 (‘Trends in Consultations Rates in General Practice—1995-2009’). More recent data than these are not available.
	The data include consultations by nurses and other clinicians, as well as GPs.
	
		
			 Estimated numbers of consultations for a typical practice in England, 1995-96 to 2008-09 
			 Financial year Crude estimated number of consultations for a typical practice in England Median practice estimates Lower quartile Upper quartile 
			 1995-96 21,300 22,000 17,900 25,700 
			 1996-97 21,600 22,600 17,800 25,900 
			 1997-98 22,600 23,300 18,800 27,400 
			 1998-99 22,600 23,300 18,400 27,600 
			 1999-2000 22,900 23,500 18,800 27,800 
			 2000-01 24,500 25,100 20,200 29,900 
			 2001-02 25,400 25,900 21,200 30,600 
			 2002-03 26,500 26,900 22,700 31,500 
			 2003-04 28,200 28,400 23,900 32,900 
			 2004-05 30,400 30,000 26,100 35,000 
			 2005-06 32,200 31,900 27,500 37,100 
			 2006-07 33,000 32,700 28,400 38,200 
			 2007-08 33,400 32,900 28,400 38,300 
			 2008-09 34,600 34,100 29,600 39,300 
			 Source: Table 8, Trends in Consultation Rates in General Practice—1995-2009, QResearch and Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) 
		
	
	
		
			 Estimated proportion of patients seen by GPs, nurses and by other clinicians, 1995-96 to 2008-09 
			 Percentage 
			 Financial year GPs Nurses Other clinicians 
			 1995-96 75 21 3 
			 1996-97 74 22 4 
			 1997-98 72 23 4 
			 1998-99 71 24 5 
			 1999-2000 70 26 5 
			 2000-01 68 27 5 
			 2001-02 67 29 5 
			 2002-03 66 30 4 
			 2003-04 65 31 4 
			 2004-05 63 33 4 
			 2005-06 62 34 4 
			 2006-07 62 34 4 
		
	
	
		
			 2007-08 62 34 4 
			 2008-09 62 34 4 
			 Source: Table 4, Trends in Consultation Rates in General Practice—1995-2009, QResearch and Health and Social Care Information Centre

General Practitioners

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department gathers on the number of people who move to another GP practice.

Daniel Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Centre has advised that data on the number of people changing general practitioner practice each year are not collected centrally.

General Practitioners

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are on GP practice lists in (a) England and (b) each county; and how many people have been removed involuntarily from such lists in (i) England and (ii) each county in each of the last 12 months.

Daniel Poulter: The following table shows the number of people on general practitioner (GP) practice lists and in each NHS England Area Team in England as at 30 September 2013. We do not hold this information by each county in England.
	We do not hold the information centrally on how many people have been removed involuntarily from GP practice lists.
	Under the terms of their contracts, GP practices must have reasonable grounds to remove a patient from their practice list which do not relate to the patient’s race, gender, social class, age, religion, sexual orientation, appearance, disability or medical condition.
	
		
			 GP Registered Patients 
			   Number 
			 England  56,007,348 
			 Q49 Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear 1,989,458 
			 Q45 Durham, Darlington and Tees 1,224,872 
			 Q50 North Yorkshire and Humber 1,689,042 
			 Q47 Lancashire 1,521,721 
			 Q52 West Yorkshire 2,435,786 
			 Q48 Merseyside 1,257,011 
			 Q46 Greater Manchester 2,880,262 
			 Q44 Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral 1,279,416 
			 Q51 South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw 1,506,383 
			 Q55 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire 2,049,773 
			 Q59 Leicestershire and Lincolnshire 1,822,274 
			 Q60 Shropshire and Staffordshire 1,591,314 
			 Q54 Birmingham and the Black Country 2,615,060 
			 Q53 Arden, Herefordshire and Worcestershire 1,693,801 
			 Q58 Hertfordshire and the South Midlands 2,831,463 
			 Q56 East Anglia 2,511,745 
			 Q57 Essex 1,801,428 
			 Q71 London 8,978,299 
			 Q69 Thames Valley 2,160,146 
			 Q64 Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire 1,520,942 
			 Q65 Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset & South Gloucs 1,507,605 
			 Q66 Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 1,745,638 
		
	
	
		
			 Q70 Wessex 2,789,815 
			 Q68 Surrey and Sussex 2,813,739 
			 Q67 Kent and Medway 1,790,355 
			 Notes: 1. Data as at 30 September 2013. 2. Figures show numbers of patient registrations at GP practices in England. Owing to multiple registrations and other issues the numbers of registered patients in England are higher each year than ONS resident population estimates, and as such these figures may not represent the actual number of people registered to access GP services in a given area. 3. General and Personal Medical Services statistics are only available by NHS organisations and do not map precisely into English county regions. 4. GP Registered Patient figures by Area Team are based on the location of the GP practice to which the patients are registered. 5. Data on numbers of people who have been removed involuntarily from GP lists is not published within the Health and Social Care Information Centre General and Personal Medical Services Statistics. Data Quality: The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The Health and Social Care Information Centre General and Personal Medical Services Statistics

Genito-urinary Medicine

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department is doing to improve access to sexual health services.

Jane Ellison: Local authorities are mandated to commission comprehensive, open access sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment services, and contraception advice and provision that meet the needs of their local population. The Government’s ambitions for sexual health are set out in A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England (March 2013); a copy of which has already been placed in the Library.

Health Education: Sex

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department is doing to support FPA Sexual Health Week 2014; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: The Department does not directly support the Family Planning Association's (FPA) Sexual Health Week. However, the Department holds a three-year contract with the FPA which runs to 31 March 2015 totalling £1.130 million for a sexual health information service. This provides information to the public and health care professionals on all aspects of contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

Health Education: Sex

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to (a) promote best practice for sexual health amongst local authorities and (b) disseminate good practice shown by local authorities on sexual health.

Jane Ellison: The Government’s ambitions for sexual health are set out in A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England (March 2013), a copy of which has already been placed in the Library. The first annual review of progress towards the ambitions in the framework is in development and will include case studies of good and promising local practice. The Department, in partnership with other organisations including Public Health England, the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health, has also produced a number of documents to assist local authorities to fulfil their new role in relation to sexual health commissioning.

Infant Foods

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations are enforced, (b) guidance is provided to interested parties and the Advertising Standards Authority in line with his Department's Guidance Notes on the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 2007 and (c) necessary court action is taken to stop violations or settle questions of interpretation;
	(2)  what steps his Department has taken since October 2010 to ensure that local authorities and other interested parties are applying and interpreting the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations in accordance with his Department's Guidance Notes on the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 2007.

Jane Ellison: The Department has made the Guidance Notes on the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula Regulations 2007 available on the Department’s website and has regularly met with local authorities; the Advertising Standards Authority; the Food Standards Agency; the industry trade association and individual businesses to ensure that the Department’s advice is communicated to businesses and enforcers. Enforcement action, which could potentially result in court action, is carried out by local authorities.

Influenza: Vaccination

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of (a) NHS staff, (b) pregnant women and (c) pensioners took up influenza vaccinations in each of the last four years for which figures are available.

Jane Ellison: Data for England on the number of seasonal influenza vaccinations administered by primary care and national health service trusts to target groups have been derived from the Annual Influenza Vaccine Uptake Reports published by Public Health England (PHE).
	Annual influenza vaccine uptake for health care workers (HCWs) (England) is reported in the following table. Influenza vaccination is offered to front-line health care or social care professionals directly involved in patient care.
	
		
			 Influenza vaccine uptake for front-line HCWs with direct patient care 
			  Number of HCWs with direct patient care Number of vaccines administered Vaccine uptake (%) 
			 2010-11 1,035,219 359,080 34.7 
			 2011-12 1,023,679 456,542 44.6 
			 2012-13 1,023,763 466,601 45.6 
			 2013-14 974,632 534,090 54.8 
		
	
	Annual influenza vaccine uptake for pregnant women (England) are presented in the following table. Influenza vaccination has been offered to all pregnant women (includes those not in a clinical at-risk group and those in a clinical at-risk group) since the 2010-11 flu season.
	
		
			 Influenza vaccine uptake for pregnant women 
			  Number of patients registered Number of vaccines administered Vaccine uptake (%) 
			 2010-11 318,562 121,164 38.0 
			 2011-12 710,554 195,031 27.4 
			 2012-13 713,740 287,561 40.3 
			 2013-14 659,223 262,081 39.8 
		
	
	Annual influenza vaccine uptake for people aged 65 and over (England) are presented in the following table. Influenza vaccination is offered to this group.
	
		
			 Influenza vaccine uptake in those aged 65 years and over 
			  Number of patients registered Number of vaccines administered Vaccine uptake (%) 
			 2010-11 8,631,137 6,287,011 72.8 
			 2011-12 9,138,632 6,764,364 74.0 
			 2012-13 9,377,661 6,881,636 73.4 
			 2013-14 9,646,433 7,062,210 73.2 
			 Source: PHE Influenza Immunisation Vaccine Uptake Monitoring Programme.

Influenza: Vaccination

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost to the NHS was of providing free flu vaccinations in each of the last four years for which figures are available.

Jane Ellison: NHS England spent a total of £251 million on immunisation programmes in 2013-14. Of this, £89 million is identifiable as relating to the purchase of flu vaccines for adults and the administration of flu vaccines for both adults and children.
	Vaccines for the national childhood immunisation programme, including for childhood flu immunisation from 2013-14, are purchased and managed by Public Health England on behalf of the Department and are not a cost for the national health service. The cost of the vaccine and its storage and distribution are commercially confidential.
	Data for NHS spend for the years prior to 2013-14 are not held centrally.

Learning Disability

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people with a learning disability placed in assessment and treatment units (ATUs) had their placements reviewed between December 2012 and June 2013; how many such people were found to have been placed there inappropriately; and how many of those found to have been inappropriately placed in ATUs have since been moved into the community;
	(2)  with reference to the oral statement of 10 December 2012 made by the Minister of State, Department of Health, Official Report, column 49, on Winterbourne View, how many meetings the Minister has had with (a) officials in his Department, (b) NHS England and (c) Ministers in the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss progress on the commitments made in that statement.

Norman Lamb: NHS England’s paper “Implementing the Recommendations of the Government’s Response to the Francis Report and its Winterbourne Review Report” confirms that during the period 12 December 2012 to June 2013 for clinical commissioning groups there were 1,279 reviews completed and 38 were outstanding. These have all now been completed. By October 2013, NHS England identified a further 1,360 people in specialised services commissioned by NHS England. 1,303 of these people had their care reviewed by the end of 2013 and 57 people were identified as no longer requiring a review. Using these data, NHS England calculates that 35% of people who were in hospital on 1 April 2013 have now been transferred to another setting.
	NHS England is identifying all people with learning disabilities in in-patient settings to ensure that they receive safe, appropriate, high quality care. NHS England is now collecting data quarterly for this purpose. It has recently published data as of March 2014. These data show that 2,615 people were identified as being in in-patient services, with 2,334 of these people having had their care reviewed within the last 26 weeks. These data do not specifically identify people in in-patient settings within the specific period (December 2012 to June 2013) as a separate cohort.
	NHS England’s data do not identify people as being in ‘assessment and treatment units’ but use other categories of in-patient beds, settings and units drawn from categorisation developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and also used in the learning disability census. The data identify those people who are expected to transfer, as well as those who have no transfer date. The reviews of people’s care identify those individuals for whom it is appropriate to move to alternative settings.
	I have had several meetings with Department officials and NHS England to discuss progress on the commitments made in my oral statement of 10 December 2012, Official Report, column 49, in the House of Commons, but have had no meetings with Ministers in the Department for Communities and Local Government about these commitments.

Liver Diseases

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish the strategy for combating liver disease referred to in the Prime Minister's message of support for World Hepatitis Day, published on the 10 Downing Street website on 28 July 2011.

Jane Ellison: Responsibility for determining the overall national approach to improving clinical outcomes from health care services, including services for people with liver disease, lies with NHS England.
	NHS England advises that it is adopting a broad strategy for delivering improvements in relation to premature mortality. It is working with commissioners and Public Health England to support clinical commissioning groups to understand where local challenges lie and to identify the evidence in relation to the priorities for reducing mortality at a national level. NHS England is generally not working within a condition-specific framework and has no plans to produce a liver-specific strategy.

Meningitis: Vaccination

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department plans to begin negotiations with Novartis on the procurement of the vaccine for meningitis B as part of the primary infant immunisation schedule.

Jane Ellison: The Government are taking the necessary steps to ensure this procurement is properly conducted.
	We are committed to introducing this vaccine in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation, subject to the vaccine being available at a cost-effective price.

Mental Health

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the recommendations in Take action for better mental health, published by the charity Mind.

Norman Lamb: This Government have made their commitment to mental health explicit in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Our priorities for the next 15 months, set out in Closing the Gap, our mental health action plan, anticipate many of the key actions set out in Take action for better mental health, Mind's manifesto for better mental health for the 2015 general election.
	We are committed to stamping out discrimination and have already made a financial commitment of up to £16 million to the Time to Change campaign.
	We have already committed more than £450 million to improve access to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-approved psychological therapies, including £54 million for the children and young people's improving access to psychological therapies project which will transform child and adolescent mental health services. We are actively incentivising clinical commissioning groups to increase access to psychological therapies through the quality premium scheme, which provides additional funding to those that meet key goals.
	The mental health crisis care concordat, signed by more than 20 national organisations, is a commitment for agencies involved in supporting someone in a crisis to work together to improve the system of care and support so people in crisis are kept safe and helped to find the support they need. All the signatories have committed to working together and the expectation is that, in every locality in England, local partnerships of health, criminal justice and local authority agencies will agree and commit to local mental health crisis declarations.
	We are supporting employers to help more people with mental health problems to remain in or move into work. We are also developing new approaches to help people with mental health problems who are unemployed to move into work, and to support them when they are unable to work.
	Public Health England (PHE) will be launching an action plan for well-being and mental health in the autumn. This is one part of PHE's commitment to embedding well-being and mental health in its work and working towards achieving parity of esteem between mental and physical health.

Mental Health: Research

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on mental health research in each year since 2010.

Norman Lamb: Spend on research funded directly by the Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) from 2010-11 to 2012-13 in mental health is shown in the following table. The complete information on NIHR spend in 2013-14 is not currently available. These figures do not take account of NIHR expenditure on research infrastructure and systems where spend cannot be attributed to health categories.
	
		
			 £ 
			 Health category 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Mental Health 49,848,487 53,217,726 69,978,468 
		
	
	In addition, the Department commissions research through the Policy Research Programme (PRP) which funds research to inform policy development and implementation across the full range of the Department’s responsibilities. Spend on research funded directly by the PRP from 2010-11 to 2013-14 in mental health is shown as follows:
	
		
			 £ 
			 Health category 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 
			 Mental Health 452,086 1,318,356 564,604 700,712

Midwives

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many student midwives were in receipt of a bursary in each of the last three years for which figures are available; what the average bursary paid to a student midwife was in each of those years; and what the total cost of those bursaries was to his Department in each of those years.

Daniel Poulter: The number of midwifery students who were in receipt of a bursary, the average bursary paid to those students and the total cost of all bursaries paid to student midwives in each of the last three academic years can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of bursary holders1 Average amount paid per bursary holder2 (£) Total amount paid 2 (£) 
			 2010-11 5,218 5,722 29,854,947 
			 2011-12 5,345 5,867 31,358,058 
		
	
	
		
			 2012-13 5,448 6,121 33,344,511 
			 1 Includes nil award holders (European Union fee-only students and students whose living allowance element of the bursary has been reduced to nil after income assessment) 2 Includes the basic award and all supplementary allowances and one-off payments. Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest pound. Source: NHS Business Services Authority

Midwives

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total number of student midwives has been in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The following table provides the annual population of student midwives from 2011-12 to 2013-14. The table includes students enrolled on the degree and 18 month diploma courses.
	
		
			  2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 
			 Midwife population 5,955 6,315 6,413 
			 Source: Multi professional education and training budget monitoring returns

Midwives

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many training places for student midwives were commissioned in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The following table provides the number of new midwifery training places for the period 2011-12 to 2013-14. The table includes students enrolled on the degree and 18-month diploma courses.
	
		
			  Total midwife commissions 
			 2011-12 2,484 
			 2012-13 2,578 
			 2013-14 2,540 
			 Source: Multi professional education and training budget monitoring returns.

Midwives

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the age profile of midwives working for the NHS was in each year since 2001.

Daniel Poulter: The national health service annual work force census published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre shows the age profile of midwives working for the NHS in England as at 30 September each year. The age profile of midwives working in the NHS from 2001 to 2013 is shown in the following table. The data are headcount because equality data relate to individuals.
	
		
			 NHS hospital and community health services: Registered midwives in England by age band as at 30 September each specified year 
			 Headcount 
			  Under 25 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 49 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 and over Unknown All staff 
			 2001 563 1,483 2,896 4,972 4,442 3,093 2,409 1,334 306 8 - 21,506 
			 2002 571 1,467 2,542 4,811 4,705 3,372 2,380 1,495 348 13 - 21,704 
			 2003 682 1,586 2,405 4,524 4,990 3,584 2,466 1,592 404 25 - 22,258 
			 2004 671 1,707 2,279 4,255 5,224 3,943 2,594 1,738 473 46 - 22,930 
			 2005 648 1,949 2,238 3,798 5,224 4,225 2,752 1,716 532 63 - 23,145 
			 2006 559 2,034 2,281 3,339 5,167 4,386 2,920 1,779 591 57 - 23,113 
			 2007 549 2,102 2,366 3,142 5,098 4,623 3,139 1,750 689 70 - 23,528 
			 2008 640 2,187 2,401 2,968 4,787 4,757 3,313 1,798 717 91 - 23,659 
		
	
	
		
			 2009 710 2,175 2,641 2,900 4,490 5,014 3,591 1,890 770 132 - 24,313 
			              
			 20101 802 2,193 2,839 2,906 4,212 5,156 3,858 2,010 822 139 1 24,938 
			 2011 924 2,283 2,973 2,978 3,844 5,163 4,094 2,100 835 122 - 25,316 
			 2012 1,028 2,404 3,079 2,930 3,632 5,078 4,278 2,268 820 137 - 25,654 
			 2013 1,163 2,641 3,175 2,945 3,358 4,851 4,467 2,345 809 156 - 25,910 
			 ‘-’= zero 1 The new headcount methodology from 2010 onwards is not fully comparable with previous years data due to improvements that make it a more stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the Census publication. Note: These statistics relate to the contracted positions within English NHS organisations and may include those where the person assigned to the position is temporarily absent, for example on maternity leave. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Nervous System

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospital trusts are not currently meeting the 18-week target in respect of spinal services.

Jane Ellison: The information requested is not held centrally. Consultant-led referral to treatment waiting times are collected separately for 18 high volume treatment functions (divisions of clinical work based on main specialty). These treatment functions are listed in the national health service data dictionary at:
	www.datadictionary.nhs.uk/data_dictionary/data_field_notes/t/tr/treatment_function_code_(referral_to_treatment _period)_de.asp?shownav=1
	Referral to treatment waiting times for all other treatment functions, including spinal surgery services and spinal injuries, are collected under a single other treatment function, and are not separately identifiable.

Nurses

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many specialist nurses are available for children suffering from (a) epilepsy and (b) mental health in (i) North Yorkshire and (ii) the UK.

Daniel Poulter: The current numbers of specialist nurses for children suffering from epilepsy and mental health problems available in North Yorkshire and the United Kingdom are not collected centrally. The national health service annual work force census provides information on the number of nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed in the NHS in England but does not identify specialist nurses separately.
	The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) holds a register of nurses and midwives registered to practise in the UK. Nurses must be registered with the NMC to work as a nurse. To keep their registration up to date, nurses also need to renew their registration every three years. The register does not include details of nursing specialties.
	More information is available at the NMC website at
	www.nmc-uk.org/
	The provision of health services in the UK is a devolved issue. The contacts for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are available from the following links:
	Northern Ireland:
	www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index.htm
	Scotland:
	www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health
	Wales:
	www.wales.gov.uk/topics/health?lang=en
	The Government have supported the development of a range of specialist roles within nursing. It is for local NHS organisations with their knowledge of the health care needs of their local population to invest in training for specialist skills and to deploy specialist nurses. In this context, the Government recognise that more could be done by some local health care organisations to prioritise preventative care and better support children’s needs. Specialist nurses can play an important role in this which can both save the NHS money and, more importantly, provide better care for patients.

Patient Choice Schemes

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of NHS outpatient appointments were made through Choose and Book in each quarter of 2013-14 and to date in the first quarter of 2014-15.

Daniel Poulter: Quarterly Choose and Book utilisation data are available for each month and each quarter of the 2013-14 financial year and are set out in the following table.
	When reviewing the table, it is important to note that utilisation is calculated as the percentage of referrals made to first consultant-led out-patient services using the Choose and Book system, compared to the total number of referrals made to first out-patient services, as reported by provider organisations.
	Each month this represents around 500,000 referrals being made from general practitioner (GP) practices to first consultant-led out-patient services through Choose and Book. Use of Choose and Book is, however, significantly greater than this with an additional 200,000 or so referrals per month being booked to other out-patient services, which include allied health professionals and GPs with special interests diagnostic and assessment services. These are not currently included as part of the utilisation figures as the denominator data are not currently reported at a national level.
	
		
			 Utilisation breakdown—monthly and quarterly for 2013-14 financial year 
			  Percentage of NHS first out-patient appointments made through Choose and Book Average quarterly (%) 
			 2013   
			 April 52 52 
			 May 52  
			 June 52  
			    
			 July 52 53 
			 August 53  
			 September 53  
			    
			 October 53 52 
			 November 52  
			 December 51  
			    
			 2014   
			 January 54 Unavailable at present 
			 February 52  
			 March Data not validated  
		
	
	Data for the first quarter of 2014-15 are currently being validated by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. It is expected that this information will be available in July 2014.

Patients

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were seen by (a) general practitioners and (b) accident and emergency staff in each of the last 15 years for which figures are available.

Jane Ellison: Information about numbers of patients seen by general practitioners (GPs) is available in Trends in Consultation Rates in General Practice 1995-2009. This report estimates the number of consultations by GPs, nurses and other primary care clinicians in England using statistical techniques based on a sample. Consultations include visits to surgery, telephone consultations, home visits and consultations at other locations. Information is not available for years after 2008.
	Information about numbers of patients seen by accident and emergency (A and E) staff is available from weekly situation reports about A and E activity and waiting times.
	Such information as is available for the last 15 years is shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Numbers of GP consultations and A&E attendances in England, 1999-2000 to 2013-141 
			 Calendar year GP consultations 
			 1999 155,500,000 
			 2000 155,100,000 
			 2001 161,900,000 
			 2002 162,100,000 
			 2003 168,900,000 
			 2004 170,900,000 
			 2005 175,400,000 
			 2006 181,400,000 
			 2007 185,300,000 
			 2008 189,000,000 
		
	
	
		
			 Financial year A&E attendances2, 3 
			 1999-2000 14,629,025 
			 2000-01 14,293,307 
			 2001-02 14,044,018 
			 2002-03 14,045,575 
			 2003-04 16,516,845 
			 2004-05 17,837,180 
			 2005-06 18,759,164 
			 2006-07 18,922,275 
			 2007-08 19,076,831 
			 2008-09 19,588,344 
			 2009-10 20,511,908 
			 2010-11 21,380,985 
			 2011-12 21,481,402 
			 2012-13 21,738,637 
			 2013-14 21,778,946 
			 1 Information on GP consultations is for calendar years. Information on A and E attendances is for financial years. It is not possible to show both datasets on a consistent calendar or financial year basis. 2 KH09 data are used from 1987-88 to 2001-02. Quarterly Monitoring of Accident and Emergency data are used from 2002-03 to 2010-11. Weekly situation reports are used from 2011-12 onwards. 3 Attendance data are for all A and E department types, including major A and Es departments, single speciality departments, and minor injury units. In 2002-03, attendance data were first collected split by type, but not from walk-in centres (WiCs). Data from WiCs were first collected in 2003-04. Hence, data prior to 2003-04 are not comparable. Sources: Trends in Consultation Rates in General Practice-1995-2009, Health and Social Care Information Centre Accident and emergency weekly situation reports, NHS England

Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 23 June 2014, Official Report, columns 27-8W, on pharmaceutical price regulation scheme, what payments have been made to the devolved Administrations in the financial year 2014-15 to date; and what payments were made to the devolved Administrations in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15 financial years under the iteration of the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme which has applied from 1 January 2014.

Norman Lamb: To date, no payments have been made to the devolved Administrations in respect of the 2014 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) in financial year 2014-15. Constructive discussions have taken place with the Department and the devolved Administrations to identify a fair allocation of receipts received under the PPRS. Agreement on the allocations for financial year 2013-14 has been reached and the Department intends to make the payments for that financial year within the next month.

Prescription Drugs

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made on replacing branded drug prescriptions with generic drug prescriptions; how much from the NHS drugs budget has been saved as a result; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Lamb: The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) publication ‘Prescriptions Dispensed in the Community, Statistics for England—2002-12’, contains a series of statistical tables, one of which, table A5: ‘Generic prescribing and dispensing, percentage by class, 2002–12’, provided an 11-year time series of data on generic prescribing. Information from this is provided in the table. The next edition of this publication, which will contain 2013 data, is due to be published by the
	HSCIC on 9 July 2014. The Department has not made an estimate of the savings that have resulted from greater use of generics.
	
		
			 Generic prescribing and dispensing, percentage by class, 2002–12 
			  Percentage  
			 Prescription items Prescribed generically (class 1 and 2) Prescribed and dispensed generically (class 1) Prescribed generically, dispensed and reimbursed as proprietary (class 2) Total number (million) 
			 2002 76.0 53.0 23.0 600.0 
			 2003 77.8 55.4 22.4 631.8 
			 2004 79.1 57.8 21.3 667.6 
			 2005 80.1 59.3 20.8 700.7 
			 2006 81.8 62.2 19.6 730.3 
			 2007 82.6 64.1 18.5 773.2 
			 2008 82.6 65.0 17.7 818.6 
			 2009 82.8 66.1 16.7 861.0 
			 2010 82.7 67.4 15.4 900.1 
			 2011 83.0 68.9 14.1 933.2 
			 2012 83.6 72.7 10.8 970.2 
		
	
	
		
			 Net ingredient cost 
			  Percentage Percentage Percentage Value £ million 
			 2002 68.0 19.9 48.1 6,509.4 
			 2003 70.3 23.7 46.6 7,139.5 
			 2004 71.1 26.3 44.7 7,677.6 
			 2005 70.8 26.4 44.4 7,500.6 
			 2006 71.9 29.5 42.4 7,724.0 
			 2007 71.8 29.1 42.7 7,868.4 
			 2008 70.3 26.2 44.1 7,790.7 
			 2009 69.9 28.3 41.5 7,966.6 
			 2010 69.3 29.6 39.7 8,232.0 
			 2011 68.3 29.8 38.5 8,164.4 
			 2012 66.3 34.7 31.7 7,840.4 
			 Notes: 1. The share of prescription items written generically has risen to 83.6%, a slight increase on the previous year. The share of the associated net ingredient cost has continued to decrease, from 68.3% to 66.3%. This is the lowest value in the last 10 years. 2. The proportion of prescription items dispensed generically continues to increase, from 68.9% in 2011 to 72.7% in 2012. The increase in the share of the associated net ingredient cost rose from 29.8% to 34.7%. 3. The prescribing of drugs by approved (generic) name has been encouraged, largely because such prescriptions can be dispensed with a generic product if available. Generally generic medicines (where the patent has expired) are less expensive, although this is not always the case. The rate of generic prescribing may not rise much further if it has reached a clinically appropriate level for the drugs currently available. 4. The proportion of generically prescribed items which were dispensed generically has risen in each year, from 53.0% in 2002 to 72.7% in 2012. The proportion that was dispensed as proprietary items, when there was no generic version available, has fallen each year since 2002, to 10.8% in 2012. This may indicate that more generic products are available and that the number of proprietary-only products is falling. The proportion of net ingredient cost for items that were dispensed as proprietary items is the lowest it has been in the last 10 years, having fallen each year since 2008. 5. In 2012 the 72.7% of items prescribed and dispensed generically account for 34.7% of the net ingredient cost. The 10.8% of items which were written generically and dispensed as proprietary accounted for 31.7% of the net ingredient cost. Source: The Health and Social Care Information Centre

Radiotherapy: West Sussex

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what radiotherapy services are located within West Sussex.

Jane Ellison: We understand that Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust is the cancer centre in Sussex.
	We are informed by NHS England that there are plans to replace existing equipment at Brighton and increase radiotherapy capacity in line with the population’s needs. New linear accelerator machines (linacs) are planned on new sites in Eastbourne and West Sussex and will increase total capacity to 10 linacs by the end of 2015.

Radiotherapy: West Sussex

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will estimate the number of cancer patients from (a) West Sussex and (b) Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency who received radiotherapy at hospitals in (i) Portsmouth, (ii) Brighton, (iii) Guildford and (iv) elsewhere outside West Sussex since May 2007;
	(2)  how many cancer patients from (a) the coastal West Sussex area and (b) Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency received radiotherapy at hospitals in (i) Portsmouth, (ii) Brighton, (iii) Guildford and (iv) elsewhere outside West Sussex in 2013-14.

Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the following tables.
	
		
			 Finished admission episodes (FAEs) with a primary diagnosis of cancer and a primary or secondary procedure of radiotherapy 
			  Residents in West Sussex PCT Area 
			  Treatment in: 
			  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Elsewhere 
			 May 2007-08 1— 17 11 42 
			 2008-09 38 22 31 19 
			 2009-10 40 20 33 23 
			 2010-11 38 10 36 51 
			 2011-12 31 7 50 40 
			 2012-13 45 22 49 33 
			 2013-14 55 16 14 19 
			 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre 
		
	
	
		
			 Finished admission episodes (FAEs) with a primary diagnosis of cancer and a primary or secondary procedure of radiotherapy 
			  Residents in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton parliamentary constituency 
			  Treatment in: 
			  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Elsewhere 
			 May 2007-08 n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 2008-09 11 1— 1— 1— 
			 2009-10 19 1— 1— 0 
			 2010-11 15 0 0 29 
			 2011-12 14 0 1— 11 
			 2012-13 20 1— 1— 1— 
			 2013-14 21 1— 1— 6 
			 1 Small numbers This is for figures between 1 and 5 to protect patient confidentiality. Notes: 1. Finished admission episodes A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period. It should be noticed that the data have been limited to inpatient activity as the recording of diagnoses and procedures in the outpatient dataset is not mandatory. These treatments have taken place in English NHS Hospitals and as English NHS commissioned activity in the private sector. 2. Primary diagnosis The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. 3. Number of episodes with a main or secondary procedure The number of episodes where the procedure (or intervention) was recorded in any of the 24 (12 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and four prior to 2002-03) procedure fields in an HES record. A record is only included once in each count, even if the procedure is recorded in more than one procedure field of the record. Note that more procedures are carried out than episodes with a main or secondary procedure. For example, patients under-going a ‘cataract operation’ would tend to have at least two procedures—removal of the faulty lens and the fitting of a new one—counted in a single episode. 4. PCT of residence The primary care trust (PCT) containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another area for treatment. A change in methodology in 2011-12 resulted in an increase in the number of records where the PCT of residence was unknown. From 2006-07 to 2010-11 the current PCT of residence fields were populated from the recorded patient postcode. In order to improve data completeness, if the postcode was unknown the PCT, strategic health authority (SHA) and country of residence were populated from the PCT/SHA value supplied by the provider. From April 2011-12 onwards if the patient postcode is unknown the PCT, SHA and country of residence are listed as unknown. 5. Parliamentary constituency of residence The parliamentary constituency containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another parliamentary constituency for treatment. This field is only available from 2008-09 onwards. 6. Assessing growth through time (Admitted patient care) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to tackle sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men.

Jane Ellison: Last year the Department published a Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England which highlights the importance of reducing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM). The Department also funds the Terrence Higgins Trust for the HIV Prevention England programme which targets MSM and African communities and includes action to support sustained condom use and other behaviours that prevent HIV and other STIs in both communities. Public Health England will launch the initial findings on the work to develop its MSM framework on 27 June and it will finalise and publish the framework in the next couple of months.

Tobacco: Packaging

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to publish draft regulations associated with the standardised packaging of tobacco products and smoking in cars with children present in time for the measures to be made law before the end of March 2015.

Jane Ellison: The Department published draft regulations for standardised packaging of tobacco products on 26 June. I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement given on 26 June 2014, Official Report, columns 29-30WS.
	Regulations for making it an offence to smoke in private vehicles carrying children are being drafted at present.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease

Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contingency plans he has in place to deal with an outbreak of Ebola virus in the UK.

Jane Ellison: The national health service has plans in place to deal with patients with infectious diseases as part of its core business. This includes plans to manage patients in line with infection control procedures, and where necessary in highly specialist infectious diseases facilities. A patient with Ebola virus infection would be cared for in the national high level isolation unit at the Royal Free hospital in London. In the unlikely event of an outbreak involving more than two people, specialist staff at this unit are trained and prepared to look after patients safely in an isolation ward, which would be dedicated for this purpose.
	In the UK, the procedures outlined in the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens guidelines, “The Management of Hazard Group 4 viral haemorrhagic fevers and similar human infectious diseases of nigh consequence”, are followed for any suspected case.
	Public Health England has assessed the risk of importation of Ebola in the UK as very low. It is extremely unlikely that an outbreak of Ebola would occur in the UK even if there was to be an imported case, as there are factors operating in west Africa which would not be seen in the UK.

Voluntary Organisations

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the total value of public service contracts that were awarded by (a) his Department and (b) NHS bodies to voluntary sector organisations in the last year for which figures are available.

Daniel Poulter: The total value of public service contracts awarded by the Department on voluntary sector organisations’ contracts in 2012-13 was £39.77 million and for NHS bodies, which is taken to mean primary care trusts (PCTs), the equivalent was £542.76 million.
	Prior to their abolition in 2013, the vast majority of health care commissioned by the NHS was directly through PCTs, which were responsible for commissioning health care from providers based on the needs of their local population.
	2013-14 information for both the Department and NHS bodies will not be available until the Department’s annual report and accounts 2013-14 are published later in the year.